The Uganda U17 Boys National Team engaged in two competitive friendly matches on Thursday at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru, as part of their intensive preparations for the forthcoming AFCON U17 Zonal Qualifiers. The double-header provided an opportunity for the Cubs to test their mettle against strong opposition and refine their tactics ahead of the regional tournament.
The Cubs began their day facing a formidable St. Mary’s Kitende side in a closely contested encounter, falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. An own goal from the Cubs and a clinical strike by Yabiri Amisi secured the win for the visitors despite James Bogere’s earlier strike.
In the second match of the day, the Cubs demonstrated resilience and tactical improvement, registering a convincing 2-0 victory over Amus College. Wanyama Simon opened the scoring with a composed finish, while James Bogere netted his second goal of the day to seal the win. The defense also held firm, securing a clean sheet in a confidence-boosting performance.
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised the team’s response to the morning setback, highlighting the evening match as a testament to their growing maturity and readiness for the upcoming qualifiers. “These friendlies are about testing our strategies and building cohesion. The boys showed great character, especially in the second match,” he stated.
The AFCON U17 Zonal Qualifiers represent a critical milestone for Uganda’s young footballers, with the team aiming to secure a spot in the continental tournament. The Cubs will continue their training camp at Njeru, with more friendly matches expected to fine-tune their preparations.
The Cubs were drawn in Group A of the CAF U17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, where they will face Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Burundi in the quest for a spot at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
