Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has spoken about the emotional challenge of leading Uganda’s U-17 national team to victory over Ghana’s Black Starlets, a result that secured the Young Cranes a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Kingston, who previously served as head coach of the Black Starlets, guided Uganda to a dramatic triumph over his home nation during the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month.
The high-stakes encounter ended 2-2 after regulation time before Uganda emerged 8-7 winners in a tense penalty shootout in Rabat, sealing qualification for the global tournament.
The defeat extended Ghana’s absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup to nine years and became one of the defining moments of the competition.
Reflecting on the match in an interview with 3Sports, Kingston admitted he experienced mixed emotions as he balanced his professional responsibilities with his deep connection to Ghanaian football.
“I was just doing my job. I would not want anyone to be in my position that day,” he said.
“I was standing between my job and my country as well. It was a very hard moment for me. At the end of the day, that is where my paychecks come from,” Kingston added.
The former Black Stars winger took charge of Uganda’s youth programme in 2025 and has since overseen a remarkable transformation. Under his guidance, the Young Cranes developed into one of East Africa’s most competitive youth teams.
Kingston’s impact was evident as Uganda not only qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations but also went on to secure a historic place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s football history.
While the victory represented a major achievement for Uganda, Kingston’s comments highlighted the personal sacrifice involved in overcoming the nation he once represented as both a player and coach.
