Uganda Cubs made a flying start to the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Burundi on Saturday at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda.
Sebastian Fisher Scott stole the show on his international debut for Uganda, scoring a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute to help Uganda record a commanding Group B victory.
The Partick Thistle forward, who recently switched his international allegiance from Scotland to Uganda, made an immediate impact after replacing Arnold Kayemba alongside Shaldon Ssevume, who came on for Yusuf Ssenyonga.
Uganda had already established a comfortable 4-0 lead by half-time, with Kayemba scoring twice in quick succession before Arafat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya added their names to the scoresheet.
Junior Afoyrwoth also scored as the Cubs maintained their attacking momentum, before Fisher took centre stage with three goals to complete his hat-trick.
The striker opened his account with a well-timed header from a floated delivery by Afoyrwoth. He then doubled his tally with a composed finish after controlling a long ball from Ssevume, beating the offside trap and rounding the goalkeeper. His third came from another long pass by Ssevume, which he ran onto before firing home.
Fisher, whose father Scott Fisher watched from the stands, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Uganda and dedicated his goals to his family and teammates.
‘I dedicate the goals to my mum, my dad and my brother, without whom I would not be where I am. Of course, I dedicate them to the boys as well because they have been great for me and today they have shown it in the game,’ Fisher said.
Head coach Laryea Kingston welcomed the team’s positive start but remained cautious, noting that the tournament was still in its early stages.
The Cubs will face Ethiopia in their final Group B match on Wednesday, 14th October 2026. Uganda will be targeting another victory to finish top of the group and secure a place in the semi-finals, where the group winners will face the best second-placed team.
