The Uganda national U-17 football team launched their 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3-0 victory over DR Congo national U-17 football team on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco.
Under the guidance of coach Laryea Kingston, the Cubs produced a mature and disciplined display to secure all three points, overcoming the challenge of playing with ten men for part of the contest after defender Trevor Mubiru was sent off.
Goals from captain Owen Mukisa, Nicholas Kawooya, and substitute Abdushakur Babi sealed an unforgettable opening-night triumph for Uganda.
From the opening whistle, Uganda imposed themselves on the game with confidence and composure, controlling possession and dictating the tempo through the influential Henry Muhoozi in midfield. The Cubs looked sharper in transition and consistently troubled the Congolese backline with quick movement and intelligent passing.
Their dominance finally paid off in the 37th minute when skipper Mukisa rose highest inside the box to nod home from close range after an exquisite trivela delivery from Mubiru.
When the trivela is that cold, the celebration has to be extra special. 🇺🇬🤩#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/ektYxxW3Al
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 13, 2026
Uganda doubled their advantage moments before the halftime break. Kawooya timed his run perfectly to the near post before directing Mukisa’s dangerous corner beyond the goalkeeper to put the Cubs firmly in control heading into the interval.
The encounter took a dramatic turn when Mubiru received his second yellow card after being penalized for holding onto the ball, reducing Uganda to ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Cubs showed resilience and tactical discipline rather than retreating under pressure. Their determination was rewarded minutes later when Babi came off the bench to add a third goal, capping off a polished and dominant performance for the East Africans.
Practiced in Kampala, perfected in Rabat!
Uganda’s 3rd goal against DR Congo#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 in Morocco pic.twitter.com/Ai7xnE53vj— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 14, 2026
The convincing victory places Uganda in a strong early position in Group B ahead of Saturday’s clash against Cameroon national under-17 football team.
Elsewhere in the group, Ivory Coast national under-17 football team also made a winning start after defeating Cameroon 2-0 and will next face DR Congo.
