The Uganda U-17 Men’s National Team made a perfect start to their 2026 TotalEnergies AFCON U17 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over DR Congo in their Group B opener played at Stade Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Wednesday.
A composed display from the Cubs saw them collect maximum points on match day one and move level on three points with Ivory Coast, who defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the other group fixture.
Uganda began the contest in disciplined fashion, staying compact at the back and frustrating DR Congo during the early stages of the game. The Cubs gradually settled into the match and started gaining confidence as the first half progressed.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when forward Owen Mukisa rose above the defence to head home Trevor Mubiru’s inviting delivery and hand Uganda a deserved lead.
The Cubs continued to pile pressure on their opponents and doubled the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time. Captain Owen Mukisa turned provider this time, delivering a dangerous corner that was nodded in by Nicholas Kawooya to send Uganda into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
DR Congo returned strongly after recess and pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest, but Uganda’s defence remained solid while goalkeeper Lukyamuzi produced a calm and assured performance between the posts.
The Central Africans had the ball in the net midway through the second half, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Uganda were reduced to ten men in the 80th minute after Trevor Mubiru received a second booking for deliberate handball. However, the numerical disadvantage did little to slow down the Cubs.
Just a minute later, AbdulShakur Babi put the result beyond doubt with Uganda’s third goal of the evening to cap off an impressive attacking display.
The Cubs professionally managed the closing stages to secure a memorable opening victory and an early advantage in Group B.
Captain Owen Mukisa, who scored one goal and provided an assist, was named Man of the Match following his influential performance.
Uganda will next face Cameroon in their second group match, while DR Congo take on Ivory Coast as the battle for qualification to the knockout stages continues.
