Uganda Cubs coach Laryea Kingston has urged his players to stay focused on the task ahead as they prepare to face Ethiopia in the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Cubs made a flying start to their Group B campaign, thrashing Burundi 8-0 at Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday, but Kingston is already looking beyond the big win to their next challenge.
“I am very happy with the win and the many goals the boys scored. We need to keep focused and prepare for our next match against Ethiopia,” Kingston said.
The coach’s call for concentration comes after an impressive performance that has put Uganda in the spotlight, with Scotland-based Sebastian Fisher Quinn among the players attracting attention following his debut hat-trick.
Arnold Kayemba set the tone with a well-placed header in the 19th minute before doubling Uganda’s lead just two minutes later, leaving Burundi goalkeeper Cedrick Niyukuri with little chance from close range.
Burundi tried to fight back, but captain Elvis Irakoze saw his attempts blocked as the Cubs remained in control.
Arafat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya added two more goals to send Uganda into the break with a comfortable 4-0 lead.
The Cubs showed no signs of slowing down after half-time. A substitute scored in the 73rd minute before Junior Ofoyrworth made it 6-0 three minutes later.
Fisher Quinn then struck twice to complete his hat-trick and cap a memorable debut for Uganda.
Despite the emphatic victory, Kingston knows the Cubs must maintain their discipline against Ethiopia, with a win enough to send Uganda through to the knockout stage.
The two sides are familiar with each other, having met in the semi-finals of the 2025 CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Addis Ababa on November 30. Uganda won that encounter 3-0, advancing to the final and securing qualification for the continental tournament.
This time, the stakes are different. The teams meet in the group stage, and Uganda will be looking to repeat that result to secure their place in the next round.
The 8-0 win over Burundi has given the Cubs a strong start, but Kingston will want his players to carry the same confidence into the Ethiopia clash without becoming complacent.
With Fisher Quinn already making an impression and the team showing its attacking strength, Uganda will be hoping to build on that performance and take another step towards their qualification ambitions.