Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Uganda Cubs in action against Jinja Progressive in their last practice match ahead of CECAFA chapionship in Rwanda
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JINJA
The national men’s U17 team, the Uganda Cubs, scored six goals against Jinja Comprehensive in a practice match at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru today as they continued preparations for the CECAFA U17 Championship qualifiers scheduled for October 10–19 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Striker Arafat Ibanda impressed with four goals, scoring twice in each half of the match.
Midfielder Yusuf Ssenyonga scored directly from a corner kick, while winger Junior Ofoyrwoth added another goal to complete the rout.
It was the team’s fourth and final build-up match since residential training began on September 13. The Cubs had earlier played against Amus College, BUL FC and Busoga United before facing Jinja Comprehensive SS.
Uganda Cubs cerebrate after scoring against Jinja Comprehensive
Head coach Laryea Kingston reflected on the team’s preparations for the championship, which has attracted 10 teams from Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia, alongside hosts Rwanda.
“The progress from the start of the camp has been encouraging up to now. We have a few things we have to iron out, but generally speaking, the boys are ready for the championship, and our first major aim is qualifying again for AFCON 2027,” Kingston said.
Junior Oyirwoth cerebrates his goal against Jinja Comprehensive with a summersault
Uganda will compete in Group B alongside Ethiopia and Burundi in the three-group competition, where the group winners and the best-placed second-placed team will qualify for the semi-finals. Tanzania are the defending champions.
