Overview:
The first qualifying round features 28 teams divided into three geographical pots. Teams were paired within their respective pots, with the first team drawn designated to host the opening leg.
Uganda National U-23 football team, the Uganda Kobs will face Ethiopia in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2027 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations following the draw held in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday.
The first leg is scheduled for September 28, with the return leg set for October 6.
Uganda will be aiming to advance to the next round as they begin their bid to qualify for the tournament, which will be hosted by Egypt in 2027.
Uganda were among eight teams placed in Pot 2 of the CECAFA zone, alongside Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The first qualifying round features 28 teams divided into three geographical pots. Teams were paired within their respective pots, with the first team drawn designated to host the opening leg.
Uganda’s draw against Ethiopia sets up a regional battle, with the two sides set to meet twice for a place in the next round where giants Morocco are lurking.
The Uganda Kobs have never qualified for this particular quadrennial tournament that was first played in 2011. Other editions were held in 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Uganda didn’t take part in the 2023 qualifiers after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) withdraw the team citing lack of funds.
It remains to be seen whether they will have funds to participate in the qualifiers this time round.
