Laryea Kingston has etched his name into football history by becoming the first Ghanaian coach to successfully guide the Uganda U17 national team to qualification for a major international tournament.
Kingston secured Uganda’s place in the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following an impressive campaign in the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers. The final spot was confirmed after a commanding 3–0 victory over Ethiopia in the semi-finals.
Dominant Qualification Campaign
The qualification marks a remarkable start to Kingston’s tenure as head coach of Uganda’s Men’s Youth Teams. His influence has been immediate and transformative, introducing a modern, energetic, and tactically disciplined style of play.
Uganda’s exceptional form under his guidance was highlighted by several dominant wins during the campaign, including:
- A 4–0 victory over Burundi.
- A stunning 9–0 rout of Sudan.
Overall, the youth side’s performance was outstanding, scoring 17 goals while conceding just 2 throughout the qualification campaign, underscoring Kingston’s strong impact on the team’s development.
Significance of the Achievement
This milestone achievement signals significant progress for Ugandan football in nurturing youth talent. For Kingston, it represents a proud and historic moment, showcasing the growing influence and expertise of Ghanaian football coaches abroad.
Admiration for his accomplishments has been widespread among fans and experts in both Uganda and Ghana. Looking ahead, Uganda will enter the 2026 U17 AFCON with renewed confidence and ambition, guided by a coach who is actively shaping the future of East African youth football. Kingston’s success serves as a clear testament to his coaching prowess.
