The Uganda U-17 National Team Head Coach Laryea Kingston and team captain Mukwanga Adrian have expressed confidence following the Cubs’ placement in Group B of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026.
Uganda has been drawn alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and DR Congo in what promises to be a competitive group, with the tournament set to run from 13th May to 2nd June 2026.
This marks the Cubs’ fourth qualification for the continental tournament. In the previous edition, they went on to secure a historic berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and progressed to the Round of 16.
Head Coach Kingston welcomed the draw with optimism, noting the level of competition and the importance of early preparations.
‘It’s been very good so far. The groupings are out and they look very interesting. I know a lot of countries have prepared and were waiting to see which group they would be in. I have so much respect for every country that has qualified to the U-17 AFCON,’ Kingston said.
The Ghanaian tactician emphasised that the technical team has already shifted focus to analysing opponents, while building on the progress made in training.
‘Our preparation has been very good so far. We started on a slow note but now, watching the team and the way they play, I think they are on the right course. Every team has one common goal, which is to qualify for the World Cup, and Uganda is no exception,’ he added.
‘We know it is not going to be easy. It will be very tough, but having seen our group, it gives us a starting point for opponent analysis. The boys have been amazing and the effort they have put in over the past few weeks has been encouraging. I am looking forward to the tournament and I believe the technical team and players are ready for Morocco.’
Team captain Mukwanga Adrian echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing confidence in the squad’s readiness and ambition to deliver.
‘The boys are ready to put up a good performance. We have been in camp for a long time and the preparations have been good. We are in Group B with Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo, and what I can guarantee is that we are ready to perform,’ Mukwanga stated.
‘Our target is to make sure that we qualify and return to the World Cup,’ he added.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-final stage, with all eight quarter-finalists earning automatic qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Two more teams will qualify through the playoffs.
