Uganda’s Under-17 national football team, the Uganda Cubs, have been crowned champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Championship after defeating Somalia 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Monday’s final at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda.The closely contested final ended goalless after normal time. Uganda goalkeeper David Dean Ssegirinya emerged as the hero, making crucial saves in the closing stages of the match and then stopping three penalties in the shoot-out to guide the Cubs to the title.Captain Henry Muhoozi, Sebastian Fisher, Arnold Kayemba, Nicholas Kawoya, Martin Kayiwa and Junior Ofoyrwoth converted their penalties for Uganda. The victory marks Uganda’s third CECAFA U-17 title, following previous wins in 2020 and 2024, and secures qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.Uganda also swept the individual awards. Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Kayemba finished as the top scorer, and Ssegirinya claimed the Best Goalkeeper award.Head coach Laryea Kingston praised his players for their hard work throughout the campaign, which included topping their group and beating Ethiopia in the semi-finals. Somalia and third-placed Rwanda also earned places at the continental tournament.