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Lack of funds has forced Uganda Kobs out of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifiers, with FUFA confirming their withdrawal on Tuesday.
The Kobs were due to face Ethiopia in the first qualifying round over two legs between September 20 and October 6, but the ties will no longer take place.
FUFA said the team could not be fully supported financially as the Government has prioritised Uganda Cranes’ preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
“Considering that the Government has prioritised the Uganda Cranes’ preparations for AFCON 2027 for FY 2026/7, it is only imperative that this decision is painfully made now than later,” FUFA said.
The withdrawal affects players from the previous U20 generation who were expected to form the core of the U23 side.
FUFA said it is still engaging the Government over the participation of other national teams and will provide an update once those discussions are concluded.
This is not the first time financial challenges have forced Uganda to abandon the U23 qualifiers. FUFA also withdrew the Kobs from the 2023 AFCON U23 qualifiers in 2022 for the same reason.
