The Uganda Cubs advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers as Group B leaders after drawing 1-1 with Ethiopia at Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Arnold Kawooya scored in the 76th minute to restore parity after Ethiopia had taken the lead six minutes earlier. Head coach Laryea Kingston made one change during the match, introducing striker Sebastian Fisher for Yusuf Ssenyonga as the Cubs sought a way back into the contest.
The result saw both teams finish the group stage on four points, but Uganda claimed top spot with a superior goal difference of seven. Ethiopia advanced as the best loser, with a goal difference of two, setting up a rematch against the Cubs in Saturday’s semi-final.
Kingston later praised the players for their performance and expressed confidence that the team still had more to offer in the tournament. In Group C, defending champions Tanzania were eliminated after finishing level with Somalia on points and goal difference. Both sides had drawn 1-1 in their meeting and beaten Kenya 2-0.
Somalia advanced after the tie-breaker, having scored first in their draw against Tanzania, while the defending champions bowed out. Somalia will face the winner of Group A in the semi-finals, with hosts Rwanda in a commanding position to finish top of the group.
