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The Uganda Cubs announced their arrival at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 in style after cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over DR Congo in their Group B opener on Wednesday.
Uganda delivered a mature and clinical display to kick-start their campaign on a high, moving level on points with Côte d’Ivoire, who defeated Cameroon earlier in the day.
The Cubs looked confident from the opening whistle and gradually took control of proceedings with their aggressive pressing and sharp attacking movement causing problems for the Congolese defence.
Their dominance finally paid off in the 37th minute when influential midfielder Owen Mukisa broke the deadlock after a spell of sustained pressure, calmly finishing to give Uganda a deserved lead.
DR Congo were left stunned and Uganda struck again moments before halftime to tighten their grip on the contest. In stoppage time, Nicholas Kawooya found the back of the net in the 45+2 minute to send the Cubs into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage.
The Congolese side attempted to mount a response after the restart, but Uganda remained organised at the back while continuing to threaten on quick counterattacks.
Any hopes of a DR Congo comeback were finally crushed in the 82nd minute when Abdulshakur Babi sealed the victory with Uganda’s third goal of the evening.
The emphatic result gives Uganda an early advantage in the race for a place in the knockout stages and qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Victory against Cameroon on Saturday would officially secure the Cubs’ place at the World Cup and confirm qualification for the knockout rounds of the continental tournament.
