2026 TotalEnergies Africa U-17 Cup of Nations
Uganda 3 DR Congo 0
Saturday
Cameroon v Uganda 7pm
Rabat, Morocco: The Uganda national under-17 football team made a dream start to their 2026 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over DR Congo national under-17 football team in Group B on Wednesday evening at Stade Moulay Hassan in Morocco.
Uganda produced an organized and clinical display to secure a crucial opening victory as they intensified their push for qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Cubs started brightly and dominated possession in the early stages while DR Congo attempted to threaten on the counterattack.
Despite a cautious opening 30 minutes, Uganda gradually grew into the game and remained disciplined defensively against the Congolese side.
Goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi produced two important saves in quick succession midway through the first half to deny DR Congo from taking the lead.
Uganda eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when winger Travor Mubiru delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and captain Owen Mukisa powered home a superb header.
The goal was briefly reviewed by VAR for a possible handball, but the strike was allowed to stand.
The Cubs doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time after Mukisa turned provider with an excellent delivery to the back post where Nicholas Kawooya headed in Uganda’s second goal.
Uganda maintained control after the break, with Lukyamuzi once again making another key save to frustrate DR Congo.
The Congolese side thought they had reduced the deficit in the 71st minute, but their goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The Cubs sealed the emphatic victory in the 81st minute when AbdulShakur Babi calmly finished Uganda’s third goal of the evening.
VAR again reviewed the goal for a possible offside, but the decision stood as Uganda completed a dominant performance.
The victory gives Uganda a perfect start in Group B ahead of a crucial clash against Cameroon national under-17 football team on Saturday.
Uganda will conclude the group stage against Ivory Coast national under-17 football team next Tuesday.
Africa will have 10 representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the top two teams from each group automatically qualifying for both the quarterfinals and the global tournament in Qatar.
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