Uganda Cubs will face Somalia - Photo Courtesy FUFA Media.
Uganda Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has expressed confidence that his lads are ready to take on reigning champions Somalia in the crucial U17 Boys semi-final match on December 24, 2024, at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.
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.
The last time the two sides met saw Somalia beat Uganda and asked if they were targeting revenge Ssenyondo replied as quoted by FUFA website: “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.
“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.”
On what strategy he will deploy against Somalia, he said: “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.”
Ssenyondo provided the injury situation of Richard Okello, who was withdrawn in the game against Kenya. “He is getting better with recovery up to 60 or 70 percent. The medics are yet to update on his status by end of business today, but I believe he will be ready to play maybe part of the game. If he is not ready, we have other players who can step in and give us a performance.”
So far, Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast have already qualified for the AFCON U17 tournament.
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