Uganda U-17 coach Laryea Kingston believes the Cubs’ emphatic victory over DR Congo has injected fresh belief into his youthful side as they chase a historic run at the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The former Ghana international was reacting to Uganda’s commanding 3-0 triumph in their Group B opener, a result that placed the Cubs among the early standout performers at the tournament.
Kingston, who took charge of the team months ago, praised his players for overcoming nerves and sticking to tactical instructions despite the pressure of playing on a continental stage for the first time.
“It was a very good performance. To say I am satisfied, yes, definitely. Every team dreams of winning their first game in a competition because the opening match is always very important,” Kingston told CAFOnline.
The coach admitted some of the players struggled with nerves in the early stages, especially given the magnitude of the occasion.
“Mentally, I think the occasion affected some of the players a little bit because most of them are very young and for many of them it was their first time travelling outside Uganda,” he said.
Uganda gradually settled into the match before taking full control, with captain Owen Mukisa once again emerging as a central figure in midfield.
Kingston revealed that creating a clear football identity has been one of his priorities since arriving in Uganda, insisting he wants the Cubs to dominate matches through possession and discipline.
“As a coach, I believe in dominating play. I believe if you take good care of the ball, you give yourself a better chance of controlling games and getting results,” he explained.
The Ghanaian tactician also credited Ugandan players for quickly adapting to his philosophy.
“From the first day I arrived in Uganda, I recognised the quality and potential of Ugandan players. Luckily for me, the style of the Ugandan player fits perfectly with the type of football I believe in,” he added.
Uganda are now targeting a place in the knockout stages for the first time in the competition’s history, with qualification for the Fifa U-17 World Cup also firmly within reach.
According to Kingston, the opening victory has given the squad confidence ahead of their next test against Cameroon.
“Victories like this always increase belief and confidence within the squad,” he noted.
Uganda will face Cameroon on Saturday in their second Group B match as they seek to edge closer to qualification for both the knockout rounds and the Fifa U-17 World Cup.