Uganda Cubs have been crowned champions of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA zonal qualifiers after edging Somalia 6-5 in a penalty shootout at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday.
The final ended goalless in regulation time, with goalkeeper David Ssegirinya emerging as Uganda’s hero after making two crucial saves in the closing five minutes before stopping three penalties in the shootout to secure the trophy for coach Kingston Laryea’s side.
Uganda reached the final after topping their group and thrashing Ethiopia 4-0 in the semi-finals.
Laryea expressed delight at his players’ performance, praising their hard work throughout the tournament and their determination to finish as champions.
Captain Henry Muhoozi also celebrated the triumph, describing it as a proud moment to lead the national team to victory and qualification for the continental finals.
Somalia head coach Dadir Amin Ali, meanwhile, commended his players for their efforts in reaching the final and securing a place at the CAF U-17 AFCON.
The qualifiers attracted nine teams after Djibouti withdrew shortly before the tournament kicked off.
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