Uganda Cubs Triumph Over Kenya 5-0 to Advance in AFCON Qualifiers

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team achieved a remarkable 5-0 victory over Kenya, with Bogere James scoring a hat trick. The win propels Uganda into the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA zonal Qualifiers, where they will face Somalia. Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo commended his team’s performance and emphasized the need for focused preparation for their next match.

The Uganda U17 Boys National Team exhibited outstanding performance during the CECAFA zonal Qualifiers, overwhelming Kenya with a decisive 5-0 victory at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Striker Bogere James was the standout player, scoring a hat trick with goals in the 18th, 42nd, and 51st minutes, establishing himself as the tournament’s leading scorer with a total of three goals. Additional contributions from Magala Isima Mulala in the 40th minute and Wanyama Simon in the 81st minute further solidified Uganda’s victory against their East African competitors.

Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised his team’s discipline, focus, and execution of their game plan in the aftermath of the match. He noted, “The boys were fantastic today—disciplined, focused, and clinical.” Ssenyondo also acknowledged Kenya’s physical prowess but emphasized that his team maintained composure, which is crucial for success. The match began with Uganda dominating possession, leading to Bogere’s initial goal from a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. Mulala’s goal soon followed, and Bogere’s decisive second strike before halftime contributed to an unassailable 3-0 lead. In the second half, Bogere completed his hat trick and Wanyama capped the scoring with a superb finish.

As Uganda prepares for the semifinal match against defending champions Somalia on December 24, Ssenyondo emphasized the need for respect for their opponents, recounting their previous semifinal defeat to Somalia. “We will use these two rest days to prepare and ensure we are ready to give our best,” he stated.

The CECAFA zonal Qualifiers are part of the path to the 2024 U-17 AFCON, providing teams with an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete for a chance to advance in football’s youth categories. Uganda’s U17 team, known as the Cubs, has been on a strong trajectory, demonstrating clinical play and teamwork throughout the qualifying rounds. Success in this tournament is critical not only for the young athletes’ confidence but also for the nation’s footballing reputation within the region.

In conclusion, the Uganda U17 Boys National Team’s commanding performance against Kenya marks a significant step towards potential qualification for the U-17 AFCON tournament. The team’s resilience, coupled with excellent management from Coach Ssenyondo, puts them in a promising position as they look toward their semifinal match against Somalia. With preparations underway, the Cubs aim to build on their success and improve upon past encounters with their upcoming opponents.

Original Source: chimpreports.com