The national U17 men’s team head coach Laryea Kingston has called for full concentration as the Uganda Cubs prepare for their final group match at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
Kingston stressed that the last group fixture carries significant weight despite facing a Djibouti side that has struggled in the competition. He said the team must approach the match with discipline and seriousness.
The head coach noted that the tournament remains a key development stage for the players and highlighted the importance of giving game time to as many members of the squad as possible. He said the team had identified strengths and areas that require improvement after three matches and confirmed that the final training session focused on addressing those gaps.
Kingston said ‘we really need at least a point in our last game to secure our semi-final qualification’ and added that ‘we don’t have to underrate any opponent’. He further explained that the group stage must be completed before any thought can turn to the semi-final. He said ‘we have a game coming up before we even think about the semi-final’ and stressed that the priority is securing progression.
He also expressed confidence in the strength of the Cubs squad while acknowledging the quality of potential opponents from the other group. He said ‘we are one of the strongest teams in the competition’ and emphasised readiness to adapt their approach depending on who they face next.
Cubs winger Brian Olwa expressed his pride at representing the national team for the first time. He said ‘I am very happy to be on the national team’ and commended the coaching staff and his teammates. He added that the group is well prepared and that their ambition is clear. He said ‘our target is to come to this tournament, take the trophy and qualify for the AFCON’.
Uganda face Djibouti this evening.
Kick-off is at 7.00 pm.
