It was tough but I was just doing my job - Laryea Kingston after guiding Uganda to secure U-17 World Cup spot over Ghana

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has spoken about the emotional challenge of leading Uganda’s U-17 national team past Ghana’s Black Starlets to secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Kingston, who previously coached the Black Starlets, guided Uganda’s Young Cranes to a dramatic victory over Ghana in the play-off round of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month, earning a historic place at the World Cup in Qatar.

The encounter ended 2-2 after regulation time before Uganda triumphed 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout in Rabat.

The defeat extended Ghana’s absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup to nine years and sparked widespread discussion among football fans, given Kingston’s strong ties to Ghanaian football.

Speaking to 3Sports, the former Black Stars winger admitted the occasion was one of the most difficult moments of his coaching career as he found himself caught between professional responsibilities and national loyalty.

“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.

Despite the emotional circumstances, Kingston remained committed to his role with Uganda, where he has enjoyed remarkable success since taking charge of the country's youth setup in 2025.

The former Hearts of Oak star has played a key role in transforming the Young Cranes into one of East Africa’s most promising youth teams. Under his guidance, Uganda qualified for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and went on to secure a historic berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

While Ghana’s painful exit marked another setback for the Black Starlets, Kingston’s achievement with Uganda has highlighted his growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging youth coaches.

His success with the Young Cranes now places Uganda among the continent’s representatives at the global tournament, while Ghana continues its search for a return to the world stage after nearly a decade away.

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