Uganda Cubs head coach Laryea Kingston has commended his players for their resilience and discipline after the national U-17 side secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup following a tense qualification campaign against some of Africa’s top football nations.
Uganda sealed qualification after overcoming Ghana in a dramatic encounter that ended 2-2 in normal time before the Cubs triumphed in the penalty shootout.
Uganda successfully converted all eight penalties, while goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi emerged as the hero after saving Jacob Kpoeti’s spot kick to allow Trevor Mubiru to score the decisive penalty.
The result secured Uganda’s second consecutive appearance at the global youth tournament and further underlined the rapid progress of Ugandan youth football on the continental stage.
Speaking after qualification was confirmed, Kingston admitted the journey had been extremely difficult, especially against a Ghanaian side renowned for its rich history in youth football.
“Yes, I think we are there. We are in the World Cup now, but we came out the hard way. Playing against Ghana is not an easy game,” Kingston said.
The former Ghana international revealed that Uganda spent much of the match chasing the game after conceding through Ghana’s quick offensive transitions.
“We took the game to them earlier on, but they got a goal and it became very difficult. Throughout the 90 minutes, we were chasing the game two times. Let me give credit to the boys. I think they did very well. They stuck to the game plan throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
Kingston explained that Uganda’s technical bench was forced to make tactical adjustments midway through the game after Ghana repeatedly exposed the Cubs on the counterattack.
“I think Ghana caught us by counter-attack and offensive transitions. That is what gave them their two goals. In the second half, when we were 2-1 down, we changed the formation from 3-4-3 to a normal 4-3-3. After that, we dominated the game,” he explained.
According to the coach, Uganda’s persistence and belief eventually shifted momentum in their favour as the team created more scoring opportunities late in the encounter.
“The boys stuck to it and we started creating a lot of chances. We had a feeling that we could pull something out and it showed very clearly. At the end of the day, we managed to go through,” he added.
The qualification campaign tested Uganda against several African football heavyweights, including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana — a run Kingston described as one of the toughest possible routes to World Cup qualification.
“Our last three games were tough. We had some of the strongest countries in Africa which are Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana. That is why I give credit to the boys. I think they did well in getting to the World Cup,” he said.
Kingston also acknowledged the role played by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and Ugandan supporters, saying the team benefited greatly from proper preparation and national backing.
“The support from FUFA has been amazing. I think everything went well. Our preparation was good and we had a strong feeling that we could compete against every team in this competition,” he remarked.
Attention has now shifted to preparations for Qatar, where Uganda will hope to compete strongly against the world’s best youth teams.
“Now we are looking forward to Qatar. Everybody wants to see this and we are happy to be part of it. We will go back, enjoy this moment and then come back stronger. Our preparation for the World Cup is going to be extraordinary,” Kingston said.
He also thanked Ugandans for supporting the team throughout the qualification campaign and urged fans to continue rallying behind the young players ahead of the global tournament.
“Thanks to everyone that helped us to be in this position. As head of the technical team, we appreciate every support from Ugandans. Just continue to support us and we will make sure we put smiles on your faces,” he added.
Uganda’s latest qualification continues the country’s growing presence in international youth football and adds to the momentum surrounding the development of young talent under the national football structures.
