Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Fisher took home the match ball
Search
Kigali, Rwanda
The Uganda Cubs made a flying start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U17 qualifiers for the CECAFA zone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Burundi in their opening Group B match at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday.
Sebastian Fisher Scott, making his international debut in Uganda colours after switching his allegiance from Scotland, stole the show with a hat-trick.
The determined striker was one of three second-half substitutes introduced by head coach Laryea Kingston and made an immediate impact, scoring three goals as the Cubs registered four goals in each half. Junior Afoyrwoth also found the net to complete the second-half scoring.
The Cubs had gone into the break with a comfortable 4-0 lead after Arnold Kayemba scored a quick-fire brace, before Arafat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya added a goal each.
However, the afternoon ultimately belonged to Fisher, whose father, Scott Fisher, watched proudly from the stands at Kigali Pele Stadium as the Partick Thistle striker tore apart a Burundi defence that had proved stubborn for much of the second half.
Fisher opened his account with a brilliant header from a floated pass by Junior Afoyrwoth. He then calmly finished after controlling a long ball from Saldon Ssevume, beating the offside trap and rounding the goalkeeper.
The striker completed his hat-trick with a powerful finish after running on to another long pass from Ssevume, positioning himself well before firing the ball into the net.
Uganda Cubs Applaud the Uganda fans in Kigali
Grateful for the opportunity to make his debut for Uganda, Fisher described representing the country in the AFCON qualifiers as a great honour. He dedicated his goals to his family and teammates, who he said had made his transition into the team easier.
"I dedicate the goals to my mum, my dad and my brother, without whom I would not be where I am. And, of course, the boys, my Cubs teammates. I dedicate them to them as well because they have been great to me, and today they have shown it in the game," Sebastian said.
Sebastian Fisher in action
Head coach Laryea Kingston praised his players for the impressive start but was cautious about reading too much into the result, noting that it was only the team's first match of the championship.
The Uganda Cubs will play their final Group B match against Ethiopia on October 14. They will be seeking another victory to finish top of the group and secure a place in the semi-finals, where the Group B winners will face the best-ranked runner-up.
