Uganda’s historic qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup was one of the standout achievements of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, but the Cubs were notably absent from the tournament’s official Best XI announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Ugandan youngsters secured their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after edging Ghana 8-7 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the World Cup qualification play-off. The victory marked a landmark moment for Ugandan football, earning the nation a coveted spot on the global stage.
However, when CAF unveiled its Team of the Tournament on Friday, June 5, no Ugandan player made the final selection despite the team’s resilient performances throughout the competition.
Instead, CECAFA rivals Tanzania emerged as the dominant force in the Best XI, becoming the only nation from the CECAFA region represented in the elite lineup. Tanzania matched champions Senegal with four players in the selection after an extraordinary campaign that saw them reach their first-ever CAF U-17 AFCON final.
Leading Tanzania’s contingent was tournament MVP Issa Chole, whose commanding displays in midfield earned him the Player of the Tournament award. He was joined by defender Hussein Mbegu, playmaker and Golden Boot winner Dismas Athanasi, and exciting winger Razaki Mbegelendi.
CAF highlighted Tanzania’s remarkable rise in youth football, noting that their run to the final followed consecutive CAF African Schools Football Championship titles in 2024 and 2025. Their performances throughout the tournament captured the imagination of fans across the continent and were duly rewarded with significant representation in the Best XI.
Champions Senegal also had four players selected, including Golden Glove winner Assane Sarr, defenders Lamine Mbengue and Thierno Sow, and winger Mouhamed Wagne. Hosts
Morocco contributed two players, defender Adam Soudi and forward Mohamed Amine Moustache, while Egypt’s Ahmed Abdelhalim completed the lineup after helping his side secure the bronze medal.
