The Uganda U17 nationwide group will kick off their 2026 AFCON U17 marketing campaign on Wednesday night with an important Group stage showdown in opposition to DR Congo in Morocco.
The Cubs head into the match carrying the hopes of a nation desperate to see one other historic run on the continental stage following final 12 months’s breakthrough FIFA U17 World Cup qualification.
Drawn in a tough group alongside DR Congo, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda know a powerful begin may show decisive within the battle for a spot within the quarter-finals and automated qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Solely the highest two groups in every group will qualify immediately for the World Cup and advance to the knockout stage, whereas two further locations will probably be determined by playoffs.
Uganda arrive in assured temper after an encouraging preparation camp in Casablanca the place they registered spectacular victories in opposition to Mozambique and Mali in worldwide friendlies.
The Cubs defeated Mozambique 3-1 earlier than edging Mali 1-0 in warm-up matches that helped fine-tune the squad forward of the match opener.
Uganda certified for the finals after ending runners-up within the CECAFA qualifiers and can now be concentrating on a spot past the group stage for the primary time within the competitors’s historical past.
The focus will as soon as once more fall on captain Owen Mukisa, whereas Brian Olwa and Thomas Ogema are anticipated to play key roles for the Cubs within the match.
Uganda face a DR Congo aspect equally decided to start the match strongly. DR Congo are making their match debut after ending second within the UNIFFAC qualifiers, including much more intrigue to Wednesday’s opening encounter.
Cameroon, two-time winners and UNIFFAC champions, stay one of many strongest names within the competitors, whereas Côte d’Ivoire arrive in Morocco as WAFU B champions after defeating Ghana on penalties within the ultimate in Yamoussoukro.
A constructive end result in opposition to DR Congo would hand the Cubs early momentum forward of the tough fixtures in opposition to the West and Central African heavyweights.
