Author: Ahmed Marsha

As the Uganda U17 Boys National Team, known as the Cubs, prepares for their crucial semifinal match against Somalia on December 24, 2024, at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness.

Reflecting on their previous encounter in the 2022 CECAFA U-17 Championship, where Uganda was eliminated by Ethiopia in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout loss, Ssenyondo emphasized the importance of seizing the current opportunity.

“The feeling is one; we have to win the game tomorrow. It’s a semifinal which comes with two things: a slot in the final and also qualifying for U17 AFCON,” Ssenyondo stated.

The upcoming match holds significant stakes, as the two finalists from the CECAFA zone will secure qualification for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, 2025.

Acknowledging the challenge posed by the defending champions, Ssenyondo noted, “I know Somalia is motivated by the fact that they won in the previous encounter in Ethiopia, but we know what we have to do.”

In terms of strategy, the coach highlighted the importance of scoring early: “We have to play as well as we did in our last game against Kenya. By scoring that first goal, it comes with much importance and can help seal the game.”

Addressing the notion of revenge, Ssenyondo clarified, “It is not revenge; football is a game of opportunities, and here we are, given another opportunity that we have to seize amidst the game’s toughness.”

The team’s preparations have been thorough, with their final training session held earlier today at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo.

Regarding squad fitness, Ssenyondo provided an update on captain Richard Okello, who sustained an injury in the previous match against Kenya: “He is getting better with recovery up to 60 or 70 percent. The medics are yet to update on his status by end of business today, but I believe he will be ready to play maybe part of the game. If he is not ready, we have other players who can step in and give us a performance.”

The Cubs have demonstrated strong form in the tournament, notably with a 5-0 victory over Kenya in the final group stage match last weekend.

As the match approaches, the team remains focused and determined to secure a place in the U17 AFCON, aiming to capitalize on the opportunity to compete on the continental stage.

In the broader context of the tournament, several teams have already qualified for the U17 AFCON, including Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.

Pictorial: Last Training

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team delivered a commanding performance at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday afternoon, defeating Kenya 5-0 in a display of clinical finishing and teamwork to secure their place in the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers.

Forward Bogere James was the star of the show, netting a brilliant hat trick with goals in the 18th, 42nd, and 51st minutes to take home the matchday ball and cement his position as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals. Additional goals from Magala Isima Mulala in the 40th minute and Wanyama Simon in the 81st minute completed Uganda’s emphatic victory over their East African rivals.

Uganda started the match with purpose, immediately taking control of possession and dictating the tempo. Bogere opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a penalty kick after a foul on himself. As the half progressed, Uganda’s relentless pressing paid off again in the 40th minute when Magala Isima Mulala unleashed a clinical strike a few inches into the box to double the lead.

Before the halftime whistle, Bogere struck again in the 42nd minute, punishing Kenya for a defensive lapse to make it 3-0. The young Cranes returned for the second half with the same intensity, and Bogere completed his hat trick in the 51st minute.

Kenya struggled to find a response, and Uganda’s defense remained resolute throughout the match. The final nail in Kenya’s coffin came in the 81st minute when Wanyama Simon fired home a sublime finish to seal the victory in style.

After the match, Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised his team’s impressive display and highlighted their ability to execute the game plan. “The boys were fantastic today—disciplined, focused, and clinical. Kenya is a physically tough side, but we maintained our composure and played our football. It’s always satisfying to see the team’s hard work pay off with such a performance.”

Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against defending champions Somalia on Tuesday, 24th December, at 4:30 pm, Ssenyondo acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Somalia is a strong team, and we respect them. In the previous edition, they beat us in the semifinals in Ethiopia, so we know the level of competition they bring. We’ll use these two rest days to prepare and ensure we’re ready to give our best.”

Pictorial

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team is bracing for one of the most pivotal matches in their campaign as they take on familiar rivals Kenya in the final Group A encounter of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers. Scheduled for Saturday, 21st December 2024, at 4 pm at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, this match is set to be a defining moment for both teams as they chase their respective dreams of advancing to the semifinals.

Uganda heads into this encounter with a slight advantage, holding second place in Group A with one point from their opening 1-1 draw against Tanzania who currently tops the table with four points from two matches, while Kenya, having lost their opening game 1-0 to Tanzania, sits at the bottom with no point.

This clash, however, is about more than just the standings. Uganda and Kenya share a fierce football rivalry that has played out across various age groups and competitions over the years. Encounters between these two sides are known for their intensity, passion, and drama. Both teams will undoubtedly draw on that history as they fight for survival in the tournament.

During the pre-match press briefing, Uganda’s Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo reflected on the team’s preparation and mindset ahead of this high-stakes showdown. “The match against Tanzania was tough, but it prepared us for moments like this. We showed character, and now we must build on that. Facing Kenya is always a challenge—they’re strong, physical, and determined. But our boys are ready. They know what’s at stake, and they’re fully committed to the task ahead.”

Ssenyondo also highlighted the broader aspirations of his team. “This isn’t just about making it to the semifinals. This is about representing Uganda on the regional stage and keeping alive our ultimate goal of qualifying for the U-17 World Cup. Kenya will give everything—they have no other choice—but we’ve prepared for every scenario. We respect them as rivals, but we’re confident in our ability to dominate the game and get the result we need.”

Kenya, meanwhile, faces the daunting task of overturning their fortunes. Known for their physicality and tactical discipline, they’ll be determined to avenge the heavy defeat they suffered in 2022 and keep their tournament hopes alive.