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The rapid substitution made by Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyondo, involving Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, failed to make much difference. Demonstrating their superiority, the home team responded with an elegantly executed team goal. The play began near their own goal and culminated in Belmokhtar scoring past goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match had slipped beyond Uganda’s grasp.
The Uganda Cubs endured a devastating 5-0 loss against host nation Morocco in their first game 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 inaugural appearance in 2019 during the event held in Tanzania.
Given the new extended FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifying pathway, Uganda was optimistic about improving upon their previous third-place result in Tanzania and becoming the inaugural Ugandan team to reach the World Cup. Nevertheless, following this significant loss, the Cubs must take time for introspection as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Early collapse
Initially, Morocco’s approach of pressing high and attacking swiftly proved effective. Uganda found itself unprepared when Elvis Torach, playing as a right-back, struggled to clear the ball, which allowed Abdellah Ouazane to intercept it. He then delivered a precise cross to an open Ilies Belmokhtar, who headed the ball into the net. Although the celebratory moment was momentarily halted due to a VAR review, it ultimately confirmed the validity of the goal.
Three minutes later, Morocco exploited Torach’s wing again, with Ouazane’s quick corner setting up Zakari El Khalfioui to deliver another pinpoint cross. Ait Cheikh easily overpowered the Ugandan defense to head Morocco into a two-goal lead. The relentless pressure forced Uganda into more mistakes as Express junior John Owino fouled Belmokhtar in the box, resulting in a penalty that Ziyad Baha converted confidently.
The swift changes made by Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyynamo, substituting Marvin Kagiito and Derick Ssozi, failed to make much difference. Demonstrating their prowess, the home team responded with an elegantly executed team goal that originated near their own penalty area and culminated with Belmokhtar beating goalkeeper Lukyamuzi. By then, the match had slipped away from Uganda.
Some positives
Nevertheless, Ssenyondo’s halftime motivational speech appeared to have settled his players’ nerves. Although Morocco continued to be in control, Uganda managed to hold their ground somewhat. Baha scored a fifth goal for Morocco later in the game, yet the second half turned into a more balanced affair which Ssenyondo aims to use as a foundation moving forward.
“We didn’t perform as we had wished during the first half, but the players returned from halftime with increased zeal and spirit, battling relentlessly on the field,” Ssenyondo stated following the game.
We took away valuable lessons and plan to bring the strong second-half play from our previous match into our upcoming game with Tanzania. It won’t be easy, but we’re determined to give it our all.
Tomorrow, Uganda faces off against Tanzania as Morocco takes on Zambia. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals and secure their spots at the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, the third-place teams will compete for the remaining berths to the international tournament through a playoff.
2025 Africa Under-17 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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