Shaky start for Uganda Cubs

Bad start: Uganda fell to the Angolans last night losing 1-0 at the Caf U17 Afcon, a qualifier for the World Cup. Photo by Caf media

What you need to know:

  • The Uganda U17 national team’s campaign at the 2019 Afcon in Tanzania took off to a false start after they suffered a 1-0 loss to Angola.
  • The 10-man Cubs return to action in Wednesday in a must-win game against Tanzania

Kampala. While the second game of the opening day was not as exciting as the nine-goal thriller between Tanzania and Nigeria, Uganda’s debut at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations was not an empty promise last evening.
Of the eight participating teams, the Ugandan teens had been expected to be on the receiving end and although they lost to Angola 1-0, they produced some standout performances.

Uganda fell behind Osvaldo Capemba’s scorcher that was deflected by Samson Kasozi in the 33rd minute into goalkeeper Jack Komaketch’s net despite pulling off a string of saves earlier.
Uganda regrouped after the break and came out determined to find a goal but their efforts did not bear any fruits as the Souther Africa champions held onto their slender win.

The Angolan keeper Geovani Carvalho saved twice from an impressive Andrew Kawooya in the 61st minute as well as another good effort, probably the best chance for the Ugandans from Isma Mugulusi.
There seemed to be an opening when Mugulusi planted a good shot that failed to cross the line in the 81st minute.
With two minutes left, Juma Ibrahim was sent off for clumsy challenge near the box and Angola were let off the hook as they kept probing through Zito Luvumbo on the right

Nigeria edge nine-goal thriller
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets began their quest for a third continental title at the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on a blistering note on Sunday as they beat host Tanzania 5-4 in a thrilling encounter.
The Golden Eaglets soon pulled away scoring two fantastic goals in the 31st and 37th minute through Wisdom Ubani and then Akinkunmi Amoo as the first half ended 3-1 in favour of the Nigerian lads.
Nigeria will be up against Angola in their next group game before they face Uganda in their final group game.

The semifinalists at the U-17 AFCON will be representing Africa at the U-17 World Cup later in the year.
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are the most successful team in the U-17 World Cup with five titles to their name.
Nigeria lead the group with three points, the same as Angola. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the World Cup in Peru this September.

U17 national team
The squad: Jack Komaketch (GK), Justine Opiro, Ibrahim Juma, Samson Kasozi and Gavin Kizito (C), Davis Sekajja, Ivan Asaba, Andrew Kawooya (Thomas Kakaire 73’) , Idi Abdul Wahid, Rogers Mugisha and Najib Yiga