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.”
