U-17 AFCON: Uganda Cubs bounce back: Coach Ssenyondo and star Bogere react to Tanzania win

James Bogere was awarded Man of the Match after Uganda's win over Tanzania. Photo Credit: FUFA Media

Uganda Cubs breathed new life into their 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Tanzania on Thursday evening in Mohammedia, Morocco.

After a frustrating defeat in their opening match, this performance was a bold response, loaded with purpose, passion and precision.

It was a night that belonged to the team, but especially to forward James Bogere, whose tireless drive and goal in stoppage time from a spot kick earned him the Man of the Match accolade and steered Uganda back into contention in Group A.

“I am happy to have this award and what made the difference was the character and ambition to win this game,” said a visibly proud Bogere after the final whistle. “We were more organized this time after losing the first game, so we came well prepared and knew the task ahead. I’m happy we all followed the coaches’ instructions and won.”

Bogere, who missed the mark in Uganda’s first outing, was a man on a mission. “As a person, I pushed myself to see that I help my country, which I didn’t do in the first match. To the fans back home, I thank them for the support and we will keep working hard to achieve our goal of progressing to the World Cup.”

Uganda Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo believes his side has bounced back in the best possible way, describing their 3-0 victory over Tanzania as a strong response to their earlier disappointment at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

“Our games vs Tanzania are never easy just like this one, but good thing we won,” Ssenyondo said after the match. “It’s a good response from losing 5-0 to winning 3-0. I must say it was stage fright and we learnt from our mistakes.”

“Bogere is a good player who doesn’t only think about himself but for the whole team,” Ssenyondo said. “I am happy he got off the mark.”

Despite the win, Ssenyondo kept his squad grounded with a sharp focus on the final group game against Zambia.

“We don’t want to get excited as we now shift focus to the Zambia match,” he added. “We want to win and get qualification to the World Cup. Zambia is a good team but I am hopeful we shall win.”

The victory boosts Uganda to third in Group A with three points, reigniting hopes of a quarterfinal berth and potential FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification. Tanzania, now winless, sit at the bottom and became the first team in the competition to be eliminated from contention to qualify for the 2025 U-17 World Cup.

With only the top two in each group securing direct passage to the quarters and a World Cup spot, every point matters. The two best third-placed teams will vie for the remaining slots at the global showpiece, and with their confidence restored, Uganda are very much back in the conversation.