Brian Ssenyondo sitted on the bench before Tanzania duel. Photo by FUFA Media.
Uganda Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has urged his team to show more character and fight as they prepare for a must-win clash against Kenya in their final Group A match of the 2024 AFCON U17 Zonal Qualifiers.
Ssenyondo made the call after his side played to a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Tanzania at the Hamz Stadium Nakivubo on matchday one last evening. Tanzania took the lead in the 37th minute through Saleh Ally after a dominant first-half display.
The Cubs returned for the second half with greater intensity and their efforts paid off when Isima Magala's deflected shot found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Despite continued pressure from Uganda, Tanzania's defence held firm and the match ended in a stalemate.
Speaking after the game, Ssenyondo reflected on the rivalry with Tanzania and the areas for improvement. “We didn’t get the result we expected but like I said before, Tanzania is our arch-rival. Our games with them are always tense and decided by a smaller margin. I think they had more character and attitude, they threw their bodies on the lines and luckily got a goal from a set piece," said Ssenyondo.
“We came back in the second half and we fought. I told the boys we just need to be better than them in character, and I think we did that. Second half, we deserved more than one goal, but I’m happy for at least a point. We can wait for the second game."
With Tanzania set to face Kenya on December 18th, Uganda's final group fixture against Kenya on December 21st will be a do-or-die affair. Ssenyondo emphasized the high stakes and his team’s ultimate goal of securing a place at the World Cup.
“The last game against Kenya means it’s a do-or-die game. We have to win to qualify. Anything less than a win means we are out, and our mission is the World Cup. We are going back to correct a few mistakes, and we shall come back ready for the second game.
"Without a doubt, we have to just win that game.”
The top two teams from the qualifiers will represent the CECAFA region at the 2025 AFCON U17 tournament. Uganda’s Cubs will be hoping to produce a winning performance against Kenya to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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