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Uganda's coach Brian Ssenyynamo made dual substitutions, bringing in Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, but these changes failed to make an impression. Demonstrating their superior skill, the home team responded with a meticulously executed team goal. This move began near their own goal line and culminated with Belmokhtar scoring past goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match had become unattainable for Uganda.
The Uganda Cubs endured a decisive 5-0 loss against host nation Morocco in their inaugural match of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening, placing them in a challenging position as they aim for a spot in the U-17 World Cup. This difficult beginning marked their second participation in the youth tournament after making their first appearance in 2019 during the event held in Tanzania.
Given the extended FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification pathway, Uganda was optimistic about improving upon their previous third-place showing in Tanzania and becoming the inaugural Ugandan team to secure a spot in the World Cup. Nevertheless, following this significant loss, the Cubs must contemplate their next steps as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Early collapse
Initially, Morocco’s approach of pressing high and attacking swiftly proved effective. Uganda found itself off guard as Elvis Torach, playing at right-back, struggled to clear the ball, which allowed Abdellah Ouazane to intercept it. He then delivered a precise cross into the box where an uncovered Ilies Belmokhtar headed the ball in with ease. Although the initial goal celebration had been put on hold momentarily, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ultimately confirmed the tally.
After three minutes had passed, Morocco capitalized on Torach’s flank once more. This time, Ouazane’s swift corner kick allowed Zakari El Khalfioui to send another precise cross into the box. Ait Cheikh dominated the Ugandan defenders effortlessly, directing Morocco further ahead with their second goal through a header. Continuous pressure from Morocco led to increased errors from Uganda; notably, Express youngster John Owino committed a foul against Belmokhtar within the penalty area, which resulted in a successful conversion of the subsequent spot-kick by Ziyad Baha.
Uganda's coach Brian Ssenyondo made rapid changes by substituting Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, but these adjustments had minimal effect. Demonstrating their superior skill, the home team responded with an elegantly executed team goal. The play began near their own goal and concluded with Belmokhtar scoring past goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match was essentially beyond Uganda's grasp.
Some positives
However, Ssenyondo’s halftime pep talk seemed to have calmed his team’s nerves. While Morocco remained dominant, Uganda did manage to stem the tide. Baha added a fifth for Morocco late in the match but the second half was a more even contest that Ssenyondo hopes to build on.
"We didn't perform as we'd expected in the first half, but the lads returned after halftime with increased fervor and spirit, battling intensely throughout the field," Ssenyondo stated following the game.
“We learned our lessons and we’ll carry the second-half performance into our next game against Tanzania. It will be tough but we’ll put our best foot forward.”
Tomorrow Uganda returns to action against Tanzania, while Morocco faces off with Zambia. Only the top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals and secure their spots at the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar this year. Additionally, the third-place teams will compete for the remaining two berths to the world tournament through playoffs.
2025 U-17 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
Match day one results
Morocco 5-0 Uganda
Tanzania 1-4 Zambia
Wednesday fixtures – El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia
Uganda vs. Tanzania, 5pm
Zambia vs. Morocco, 8pm
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