Laryea Kingston becomes first Ghanaian coach to qualify Uganda U-17 for a major tournament

Laryea Kingston has made history in East African football by becoming the first Ghanaian coach to guide Uganda’s U17 national team to a major international tournament.

The former Ghana U17 head coach secured the milestone after leading Uganda to the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, following an impressive run in the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers.

Kingston’s triumph was sealed with a commanding 3–0 win over Ethiopia in the semi-finals, ensuring Uganda’s spot at next year’s continental showcase in Morocco.

Earlier in the campaign, his side recorded emphatic victories, including a 4–0 win over Burundi and a 9–0 rout of Sudan.

Kingston’s influence on the Ugandan youth setup has been immediate and transformative. Since taking charge of Uganda’s Men’s Youth Teams, he has instilled a modern, high-energy, and tactically disciplined approach that has resonated with his young players.

The team’s dominance — scoring 17 goals while conceding just 2 on the path to qualification — reflects the impact of his leadership.

For Uganda, this achievement represents a significant milestone in youth football development. For Kingston, it is both a proud personal accomplishment and a historic moment for Ghanaian coaches working abroad.

His success has earned admiration in Uganda and back home in Ghana, where followers have watched his progress with keen interest.

As Uganda heads into the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, they do so with renewed confidence under the guidance of a Ghanaian coach who has not only made history but is also shaping the future of East African youth football.