The Under-17 of Uganda will attempt to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations when they face Cameroon on Saturday evening in Morocco.
The Group B encounter, scheduled to kick off at 19:00 local time, comes after Uganda made an impressive start to the tournament with a convincing 3-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening match.
The Cubs now head into their second fixture full of confidence, knowing another positive result would significantly improve their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals and securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Speaking before the match, Uganda head coach Laryea Kingston said his side was fully prepared for what he expects to be a difficult contest against one of Africa’s established football nations.
‘We know Cameroon are a strong football nation with great history at this level, so we expect a difficult match,’ Kingston said.
Cameroon enter the game under pressure after losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening fixture. The defeat has increased the importance of Saturday’s meeting for the Central African side, who will be seeking their first points of the competition.
Despite acknowledging Cameroon’s pedigree, Kingston said Uganda’s opening win had boosted morale within the squad and strengthened the players’ belief.
‘However, the victory in our first game gave the players confidence and belief. We are now fully focused on Cameroon and preparing well to execute our game plan,’ he added.
Uganda’s strong start to the tournament has also highlighted the tactical direction introduced by Kingston, who has continued to emphasise an attacking and possession-based style of football.
The coach said maintaining control of the ball remains central to the team’s approach and could play a decisive role in determining results during the tournament.
‘As a coach, I believe in controlling matches through possession because when you manage the ball well, you improve your chances of controlling the game and achieving positive results,’ he explained.
Kingston also praised the technical quality of his players, saying the squad had adapted effectively to his methods since he took charge of the team.
‘From the moment I arrived, I recognised the quality and potential of Ugandan players. The players now understand the importance of discipline, hard work and following the game plan.’
In addition to tactical work on the training ground, Uganda’s technical staff have also focused on the players’ mental development and character-building during the tournament.
The emphasis on discipline and mentality is seen as part of a broader effort to prepare the young players for the demands of international football, while also contributing to the long-term development of the sport in Uganda.
Uganda will complete their Group B campaign against Ivory Coast next Tuesday, but attention remains firmly on the challenge posed by Cameroon.
Kingston believes qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup would represent a major achievement, both for the current squad and for Ugandan football more widely.
With confidence growing after their opening victory, the Cubs will hope to maintain momentum and move a step closer to reaching the latter stages of the tournament.
