Uganda was held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania in their opening match of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Tanzania initially scored first, but Uganda equalized after halftime. The match ended with both teams sharing points, leaving them with one point each in Group A.
In the opening match of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the CECAFA Zone, the host nation, Uganda, concluded the contest in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala. Despite Tanzania initially dominating the match, leading with a goal from Saleh Alley in the 19th minute, Uganda found its footing after halftime. Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s halftime adjustments bore fruit when Isima Magala equalized in the 58th minute. Although Uganda rallied for a potential victory, Magala’s last-minute shot went astray, leaving both teams with one point each. Following their draw, both coaches expressed their thoughts on the match, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming games in the group stage.
This qualifier serves as a crucial step towards the U-17 AFCON scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire next year. The tournament is pivotal for the youth teams in the CECAFA region, as it provides an opportunity for exposure and competition at a continental level. South Sudan currently leads Group B after a convincing victory over Somalia, while Tanzania and Uganda find themselves in a tightly contested Group A. The performances in these early matches can greatly influence the teams’ chances of advancing to the semifinals.
The 1-1 draw between Uganda and Tanzania underscores the competitive nature of the CECAFA U-17 qualifiers. With crucial matches on the horizon, teams will need to demonstrate resilience and skill to secure advancement to the semifinals. Coach Ssenyondo highlighted the necessity for his team to secure a victory against Kenya in their next encounter to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Original Source: www.independent.co.ug
