The Uganda National Under-17 Team, the Cubs, were awarded Silver Medals at the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, after a hard-fought 3–2 final loss to hosts Tanzania.

This result secures their place in the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

“Hearty congratulations to our U17 National Team upon qualifying for the AFCON U17 2026. The focus now shifts to supporting the Uganda Cranes at AFCON 2025. Let’s make Uganda proud!” FUFA stated in an official press release.

Despite the narrow defeat in Dar es Salaam, confirmed by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the young squad achieved its primary mission.

This win, as runners-up in the tournament saw Uganda clinch one of the region’s two qualification slots for the continental youth championship, marking a return to the CAF U-17 AFCON for the first time since 2019.

The Cubs’ route to the final was built on dominant performances, including a 4-0 victory over Ethiopia and a 3-0 win against South Sudan in the group stage, followed by a resilient 1-0 semi-final triumph over Somalia.

Though the final saw Tanzania lift the trophy on home soil, Uganda’s second-place finish and the silver medals presented to the team symbolized a successful campaign that delivered the crucial continental ticket.

The youth team’s achievement has energized the football community as attention now pivots to the senior side.

The Uganda Cranes will compete at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, drawn in a challenging Group C alongside Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Gabon.