Uganda Cubs Dominate Kenya 5-0 to Advance in U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

In a remarkable display, Uganda’s U17 National Team triumphed 5-0 over Kenya in the CECAFA zonal qualifiers, securing a spot in the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON. Striker Bogere James starred with a hat trick, while other goals were netted by Mulala and Simon. Coach Ssenyondo praised his team’s performance and is preparing for a challenging semifinal against Somalia.

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team showcased an impressive performance, defeating Kenya 5-0 in a CECAFA zonal qualifier match held at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Striker Bogere James was the standout player, netting three goals at the 18th, 42nd, and 51st minutes, thereby reinforcing his position as the leading scorer of the tournament with a total of three goals. Other notable contributions came from Magala Isima Mulala and Wanyama Simon, who added to the tally with goals scored at the 40th and 81st minutes, respectively.

Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo commended the team for their disciplined and focused performance. He stated, “The boys were fantastic today—disciplined, focused, and clinical,” emphasizing their ability to implement the match strategy effectively. Ssenyondo acknowledged the physicality of the Kenyan team but expressed satisfaction at how his players maintained composure throughout the match, demonstrating their commitment and hard work.

Uganda began the match in an aggressive manner, controlling possession from the outset. Bogere capitalized on a penalty kick in the 18th minute, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Cubs extended their lead, with Mulala scoring in the 40th minute and Bogere taking advantage of a defensive mistake just before half-time. After resuming play, Bogere completed his hat trick early in the second half, and Simon secured the emphatic win with a stylish goal in the final stages of the match.

Looking forward, Uganda prepares to face defending champions Somalia in the semifinals on December 24th. Coach Ssenyondo expressed respect for Somalia, recalling their previous encounter where they were defeated in the semifinals. He remarked, “Somalia is a strong team, and we respect them… We’ll use these two rest days to prepare.” This upcoming challenge emphasizes the competitive nature of the tournament and the necessity for continued focus and preparation.

The CECAFA (Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations) zonal qualifiers for the 2024 U-17 AFCON (African Cup of Nations) serves as an essential tournament for U17 national teams to earn a place in the continental championships. The Uganda Cubs, aiming for success, participated in this tournament and faced regional rival Kenya in a decisive match. Their performance not only showcased their skills and teamwork but also highlighted their potential as strong contenders for future international competitions, setting the stage for a significant semifinal showdown against the defending champions Somalia.

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team’s decisive 5-0 victory over Kenya marks a significant achievement in their quest for success in the CECAFA zonal qualifiers for the U-17 AFCON. With Bogere James leading as a top scorer and Coach Ssenyondo praising the team’s disciplined approach, Uganda aims to carry this momentum forward as they prepare to face the strong Somalia team. The upcoming semifinal is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, but the optimism within the Ugandan camp is palpable as they focus on their goal of advancing in the tournament.

Original Source: chimpreports.com