Laryea Kingston leads Uganda to CECAFA U-17 title and U-17 AFCON
In the same week that Ghana's Black Starlets missed out on the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, a former Black Star was celebrating a trophy and a place at the tournament. Laryea Kingston has guided Uganda's Under-17 side to the CECAFA U-17 Championship title.
Won on penalties
The Uganda Cubs beat Somalia 6-5 on penalties after a goalless final at the Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda on Monday, according to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.
Goalkeeper David Ssegirinya was the hero. Hiiraan Online and CECAFA report that he made important saves during the match and then stopped three Somali penalties in the shootout. Uganda also hit the crossbar in a tight final.
A ticket to Morocco
Uganda had already secured their place at the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by thrashing Ethiopia 4-0 in the semi-finals. The title is Uganda's third in recent editions of the competition, following wins in 2020 and 2024, according to FUFA.
Somalia, who also qualified for the continental finals as runners-up, are next month's opponents for Ghana's senior side in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Kingston: 'The boys are improving'
Kingston was pleased with the trophy but said the team's steady improvement throughout the tournament was just as encouraging, according to Kawowo Sports. He described the final as Uganda's toughest test, saying his side created plenty of chances but could not find the net.
The former Great Olympics and Heart of Midlothian winger, who represented Ghana at the 1997 U-17 World Championship and the 1999 World Youth Championship, was appointed by FUFA to lead Uganda's men's junior national teams.
A Ghanaian success story abroad
Kingston's triumph offers a contrast for Ghanaian football. While the Black Starlets were eliminated by Côte d'Ivoire after playing most of their WAFU Zone B semi-final with ten men, a Ghanaian coach will be in Morocco with another nation's youngsters next year.
Kingston, who has also expressed interest in the vacant Black Stars job according to Graphic Online, will now prepare Uganda for the continental tournament.
Photo: EmmysonB / Wikimedia Commons, CC0