UGANDA CUBS & TANZANIA SEAL AFCON SPOTS, SET FOR CECAFA FINAL
The Uganda Cubs secured their spot at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON 2026 by dominating Ethiopia 3-0. They now face Tanzania in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers Final.
Uganda's youth team, the Uganda Cubs, are heading back to the big stage at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2026!
They grabbed their spot by beating host country Ethiopia 3-0 in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semifinal this past Sunday at Abebe Bikila Stadium.
Coach Laryea Kingston was very pleased with the team's achievement of their initial goal.
I'm happy we reached our first target, which was to get to the AFCON U-17. "Now we are aiming to win the whole thing," he said.
He added, Winning is great, and getting here is great, but what's most important is that our players grow and learn to play the right way.
Uganda scored all three goals in the second half. Lorian Lwesibawa kicked things off in the 52nd minute, firing a shot after Uganda kept the pressure on Ethiopia's defence. Just two minutes later, Thomas Ogema calmly scored to make it 2-0. Lwesibawa later scored again in the 78th minute with a beautiful free kick, sealing the deal.
Kingston has been building a team around key players like Captain Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Thomas Ogema (KCCA), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), and Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC).
Earlier that day, Tanzania became the first CECAFA nation to make it to the tournament, defeating Kenya 3-1 in the first semifinal match.
Tanzania survived an early scare when goalkeeper Haji Ally Abdallah blocked a penalty kick from Saidi Makangila after he fouled Derrick Muchiti Obote. Tanzania then took the lead with goals from Nhingo Juma in the 19th minute and Luqman Ally in the 30th.
Kenya got one back in the 84th minute through Armstrong Omondi, but Soann Shabani, who came off the bench, scored a third goal for Tanzania late in the game.
With the semifinal wins, Uganda joins Tanzania as CECAFA representatives. The winner of the third-place match will get the region's final spot.
Uganda will now play Tanzania in the final on Tuesday, 2nd, at 3:30 pm at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
This is a rematch of the group-stage game that Tanzania won 2-1. It's also a rematch of last year’s final, which Uganda won 2-1 at Nakivubo Stadium with goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere.
Uganda, as the current CECAFA U17 champions, will be working hard to defend its title.
UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE
The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.
Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.
After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.
After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.
As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.
In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.
Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.
Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.
The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.
DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF
Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.
James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.
Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.
Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.
Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
About AGF Aarhus:
Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)
Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)
Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen
Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).
History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.
With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba
Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.