Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has opened up about the emotional dilemma he faced while guiding Uganda’s U-17 national team to victory over Ghana’s Black Starlets and securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Once at the helm of the Black Starlets, Kingston masterminded Uganda’s Young Cranes’ dramatic play-off win over Ghana at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, sealing a historic World Cup berth in Qatar.
The fiercely contested match finished 2-2 in regular time, before Uganda triumphed 8-7 in a heart-stopping penalty shootout in Rabat.
This outcome extended Ghana’s World Cup drought to nine years and sparked passionate debate among fans, especially given Kingston’s strong ties to Ghanaian football.
In an interview with 3Sports, the former Black Stars winger confessed that the match ranked among the most emotionally taxing moments of his coaching journey, as he wrestled with his sense of duty and his devotion to his homeland.
“I was simply doing my job, but I wouldn’t wish that situation on anyone,” Kingston said.
“I was caught between my responsibility to my team and my love for my country. It was an extremely difficult moment. At the end of the day, however, I had a job to do, and that is where my livelihood comes from,” he added.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Kingston stayed true to his mission with Uganda, achieving remarkable success since stepping in to lead the nation’s youth program in 2025.
The ex-Hearts of Oak standout has played a pivotal role in shaping the Young Cranes, turning them into one of East Africa’s brightest youth squads. With Kingston at the helm, Uganda not only qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations but also secured a historic place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ghana’s exit marked another setback for the Black Starlets, but Kingston’s triumph with Uganda has only burnished his reputation as one of Africa’s rising stars in youth coaching.
Thanks to his achievements, Uganda now stands among Africa’s representatives on the world stage, as Ghana continues its quest to end a near-decade-long absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
