Under the floodlights of Ziaida Sports Complex in Benslimane, Morocco, the Uganda U17 Men’s National Team (Cubs) stepped onto the pitch for their final pre-tournament friendly. Facing a physically dominant and tactically disciplined Cameroon side, the Cubs knew this would be a tough test. And indeed, it was. The match ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat for Uganda Cubs, but beyond the scoreline, it was a game that proved the Cubs players had the heart, the hunger, and the determination to fight until the final whistle.
The game started with Cameroon showing exactly why they are one of Africa’s strongest teams at this level. Their players were tall, strong, and aggressive, pressing high up the pitch and forcing Uganda to defend deep. Within six minutes, the pressure paid off as Cameroon found the back of the net to take an early lead. The Cubs struggled to settle into their rhythm, finding it difficult to break through Cameroon’s defense.
Before long, the West Africans doubled their advantage, punishing Uganda for defensive errors. It was clear that Cameroon was in control, dictating play and using their physical presence to win duels in midfield. As Uganda tried to reorganize, a third goal for Cameroon came just before the halftime break, leaving the Cubs with a mountain to climb in the second half.
For many teams, a 3-0 deficit at halftime could have been the end. Heads could have dropped, and confidence could have been shattered. But not for the Cubs. As they walked off the pitch for the halftime team talk, the message from head coach Brian Ssenyondo was clear—the game is not over. Fight back. Show character.
When Uganda returned to the pitch for the second half, there was a noticeable shift in energy. The players looked sharper, hungrier, and more determined to turn things around. And it did not take long for them to make a statement.
Ssozi Derick was the first to strike. The talented forward found space inside the box and finished brilliantly to open Uganda’s scoring. It was exactly the spark the Cubs needed. Suddenly, Uganda had momentum, and the game came to life.
Cameroon, sensing Uganda’s resurgence, tried to slow down the tempo, and resort to long balls but the Cubs were relentless. The midfield began winning more battles, the passing became sharper, and the attack looked dangerous. Then came Bogere James, and with him, a new wave of hope.
The young striker was full of confidence, and when the opportunity came, he made no mistake. He slotted home Uganda’s second goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The Cubs were now within touching distance of a comeback that had seemed impossible just 20 minutes earlier. Uganda kept pushing. The pressure paid off again as Bogere grabbed his second goal of the night, completing his brace and bringing Uganda within a single goal of leveling the match. At 4-3, it was now an open game, with both teams fighting fiercely.
As the final whistle approached, the Cubs threw everything forward, searching for the equalizer. They came close on several occasions, but Cameroon held firm, eventually securing a narrow victory.
After the game, head coach Brian Ssenyondo reflected on the performance. Despite the loss, he was full of praise for the team’s spirit and ability to fight back.
“Cameroon is a very strong team—they are muscular, they are physical. The boys got a different test from that of Burkina Faso,” he said.
What stood out for him the most was how his players responded in the second half. “Going into halftime three goals down but fighting back to a 4-3 result shows that we have the character to respond. That is the mentality we need at this stage,” he added.
This was Uganda’s second international friendly match as they prepare for the U17 AFCON, following an earlier clash with Burkina Faso. Ssenyondo emphasized how crucial these warm-up games had been.
“These two friendlies have been important. We can work on the lessons and challenges encountered before we play our first game on Sunday,” he noted.
With the warm-up games done, the Cubs now shift focus to their opening match at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Uganda will take on Morocco, the tournament hosts, on Sunday, March 30th at 10:00 PM (Monday, March 31st at 1:00 AM in Uganda).
