KAMPALA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Ugandans are celebrating after the Uganda Cubs qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a dramatic playoff victory over Ghana in Rabat, Morocco.
Coached by Laryea Kingston, Uganda secured its place at the global tournament on Saturday night after edging Ghana 8-7 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The result sent Uganda to the U-17 World Cup for a second consecutive edition, marking another milestone for youth football in the East African nation.
Dr Patrick Ogwel, general secretary of Uganda's National Council of Sports, praised the team for its achievement and determination.
"We are excited by the national junior team qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a second straight year. This means a lot for all Ugandans," said Ogwel.
Uganda's outgoing Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, also congratulated the players and technical staff.
"We thank the players, the technical wing and everyone who was part of this success story. Keep writing history on Uganda's sports wall," Ogwang said.
Hassim Moses Magogo, president of Uganda's football governing body FUFA, thanked the players and highlighted the broader support system behind the team's success.
"Congratulations, boys, for making your country proud. Thank you, the government of Uganda, for the financial support, schools and coaches, referees, partners and sponsors, parents, fans, media, and finally the FUFA Excom for strategic planning and guidance. Staff at FUFA for implementing, well done," Magogo said.
Football supporter Flavia Munene said the team's resilience throughout the qualification campaign deserved recognition.
"The manner in which the team qualified needs to be celebrated because they showed the never-give-up attitude in very tricky matches. They have carried the national flag high and we are proud of them," she told Xinhua.
Uganda and Tanzania are the two teams from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations region to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The other African representatives are Morocco, Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Mali and Cameroon. ■