Uganda U17 Men’s National Team concluded their preparations for the upcoming Africa U-17 Cup of Nations on a high after edging Mali U17 National Team 1-0 on Thursday in Casablanca, Morocco.
Substitute Arafat Ibanda emerged the hero for the Cubs, netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal victory. The result capped an impressive campaign for Uganda in the Pre-AFCON tournament, where they won both of their matches after previously defeating Mozambique U17 National Team 3-1 in their opening fixture.

Guided by head coach Laryea Kingston, Uganda heads into the continental showpiece with confidence as they target qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each of the four groups will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the remaining two qualification spots will be decided through playoffs.
Uganda has been drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast U17 National Team, Cameroon U17 National Team and debutants DR Congo U17 National Team.

The Cubs will begin their campaign against DR Congo on May 14 before taking on Cameroon two days later. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Ivory Coast on May 19.
Following the conclusion of the preparatory tournament in Casablanca, the team will now shift base to Rabat, which will host the final tournament.