Uganda will play Ethiopia in the semifinals a fixture that now sets the stage for one of the most emotionally charged battles of the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers. The hosts have been unbeaten, the defending champions have found their scoring rhythm, and on Sunday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, only one of them will take a step closer to next year’s AFCON U17.
That semifinal matchup was sealed in style after the Cubs demolished Djibouti 6–0 in their final Group B outing at the Dire Dawa Stadium. The victory their most emphatic in the group wrapped up a campaign in which Uganda scored 20 goals and conceded just twice.
Ironically, Uganda were already assured of progression even before stepping onto the pitch. Sudan’s narrow 1–0 win over Burundi earlier in the day meant they could no longer threaten Uganda’s superior goal difference. But the Cubs refused to take their foot off the pedal.
Second-half substitute Arnold Kayemba made the most of his minutes with a clinical brace, while Thomas Ogema, Ukasha Jemba, Brian Olwa and Ismail Fahad all etched their names on the scoresheet. Fahad dedicated his strike to a departed relative named Faith; captain Owen Mukisa turned the team’s victory into a message of support for unwell teammate Michael Lwanga a reminder that unity has been one of Uganda’s biggest strengths in this campaign.
Head coach Laryea Kingston acknowledged that the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the early challenges Djibouti presented.
“Djibouti tried to frustrate us, and we didn’t start the way we wanted,” he said. “We needed to pin them in their half and break them quickly, but our early approach was poor. With patience, the boys finally opened them up.”
Kingston then shifted his focus to the big test ahead.
“The Cubs are ready for Ethiopia. They’re the hosts, they’ve been strong, and it will be a tough match. But my boys are motivated, focused and believe in themselves.”
Ethiopia secured their semifinal slot after topping Group A unbeaten, sealing their place with a 1–0 victory over Kenya courtesy of an in-form Dawit Kasaw. South Sudan earlier edged Rwanda 2–1 to complete the group proceedings.
Uganda finished second in Group B and will meet Ethiopia on Sunday, while Tanzania the only team to win all their group matches take on Kenya in the other semifinal.
With three CECAFA slots available for the AFCON U17 next year, the race is heating up. The Cubs have shown firepower; Ethiopia have shown resilience. On Sunday, only one will extend their dream.
Wow, what an incredible matchup brewing between Uganda and Ethiopia! This CECAFA semifinal is definitely going to be one for the ages.