Uganda’s U-17 Cubs Crush Burundi 8-0 in CECAFA Qualifiers Opener

Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, launched their CECAFA zonal qualifiers for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a ruthless 8-0 thrashing of Burundi on Saturday at the Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda.

Under coach Laryea Kingston, the young side seized control early. Arnold Kayemba struck twice in the opening stages, while Arafat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya completed a commanding 4-0 first-half lead. The second half brought more fireworks as Scotland-born striker Sebastian Fisher Quinn announced himself with a hat-trick on his competitive debut for Uganda, and Junior Ofoyrwoth (also referred to as Afoyrwoth or Ofoyrthe) contributed to the onslaught. CECAFA live updates tracked Fisher’s goals around the 73rd, 81st, and 90th minutes, with Ofoyrwoth also finding the net.

Fisher, linked to Scottish club Partick Thistle, is eligible for Uganda through his Ugandan-born mother, Kate. The 16-year-old and his brother had joined Uganda’s youth setups earlier in the year after a chance connection, and his clinical finishing on debut provided one of the standout stories of the opening day.

The result gives Uganda three points and a strong goal difference in Group B, which also includes Ethiopia. The top three finishers from the CECAFA championship (group winners plus the best second-placed side, advancing through the knockout stages) will qualify for the continental finals. Uganda have a strong recent pedigree in the region, having claimed successive titles before finishing runners-up to Tanzania in the previous edition—a campaign that helped open pathways toward AFCON and consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cup appearances.

The emphatic win delighted supporters and FUFA President Moses Magogo back home, providing perfect momentum as the Cubs chase another ticket to the continental stage. With the tournament running through October 19 in Kigali, Uganda now turn their attention to the remaining group fixtures with confidence high after a statement opener.

The blend of homegrown talent from academies such as El Cambio, KCCA, and others, plus diaspora additions like Fisher, underscores the depth Kingston has at his disposal. A clean sheet and eight goals mark an ideal start for a side aiming to continue Uganda’s rising youth football trajectory.