Uganda’s national men’s under-17 team captain Owen Mukisa says the team is focused on securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup as they prepare for the forthcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Uganda Cubs have been in camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru since March 10, stepping up preparations for the tournament, which kicks off on April 25 in Morocco.
The team has already played two friendly matches in Njeru, including an 11-1 victory over Progressive High School in their latest outing.
Mukisa, who features for Vipers Junior team, commented: “There has been improvement because we scored more goals. The players in camp are all giving 100% and we will be going to AFCON with a target of securing a place in the World Cup.”
At the AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco, the top 10 teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup set for November in Qatar.
The team is under Ghanian Laryea Kingston who is assisted by former stars Steven Bengo, Ibrahim Saddam Juma and Yasin Mugabi.
Uganda qualified for AFCON U17 after reaching the Final of CECAFA U17 last year in the final, eventually losing the final 3-2 against Tanzania.
“Progress has been encouraging; the team is doing very well. We’re taking it one day at a time, and we’re confident they are at the required fitness levels,” stated coach Kingston.
“The first game was solid, and we saw even more improvement in the second. There has been clear progress in team dynamics, both in possession and out of possession, across different phases of play.
“We’re on the right track and looking forward to the start of the competition. We’ll be ready for any opponent placed in front of us.”
Qualified countries for 2026 AFCON U17 so far – Morocco (Hosts), Uganda, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, DR Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique
