The Uganda Cubs will face a tough test at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, regional rivals Tanzania, and Zambia.
Reacting to the draw, Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo acknowledged the difficulty of the group but remained focused on the ultimate target, securing a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
“We have been waiting for this draw, and luckily, we now know our opponents. Our target is qualifying for the World Cup. It’s not a draw you would welcome, but it’s one you have to take because that is how it has come. Having the host nation, Morocco, makes the group very hard because they are at home and know what it means to qualify. Tanzania is always tricky for us, while Zambia has played in the last three editions, making them a strong opponent,” Ssenyondo stated.
Labeling Group A as the “group of death,” Ssenyondo emphasized the importance of finishing among the top two to secure automatic qualification for the U17 World Cup in Qatar.
“We started this journey with only one target, to qualify for the World Cup. That means we have to be among the best two teams in our group. We are going to give it our all to ensure that by the end of the group stages, we are already in the World Cup. The road to the World Cup means winning just two of the three group games, and you’re there,” he added.
The draw, held on Thursday, February 13, in Cairo, placed 16 teams into four groups of four. As tournament hosts, Morocco was automatically assigned position A1.
Uganda is making its third U17 AFCON appearance, having previously qualified for the 2019 and 2021 edition, which was later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cubs earned their place in this year’s tournament after winning the CECAFA U17 Qualifiers, defeating Tanzania 2-1 in the final.
The tournament will take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, in Morocco, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification for the expanded FIFA U17 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
Full U-17 AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw
Group A
Morocco (hosts)
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Group B
Burkina Faso
UNIFFAC 1
South Africa
Egypt
Group C
Senegal
The Gambia
Somalia
Tunisia
Group D
Mali
Angola
Côte d’Ivoire
UNIFFAC 2
コメント