Uganda Cubs endured a tough start to their 2025 Total Energies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, falling 5-0 to hosts Morocco at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Sunday night.
Despite the defeat, the young Ugandan side showed resilience and flashes of promise as they gained vital experience on the big stage.
Facing a highly clinical Moroccan side, Uganda found themselves trailing early when Ilies Belmokhtar, the eventual player of the match, opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Morocco continued their aggressive start, with Aït Cheikh doubling the lead five minutes later with a bullet header from Abdellah Ouazane’s pinpoint cross.
The Cubs faced further adversity when a VAR-reviewed penalty in the 23rd minute saw Real Betis forward Ziyad Baha convert from the spot, increasing Morocco’s lead to three. The home side maintained their attacking momentum, with Belmokhtar adding his second goal of the night before the half-hour mark, making it 4-0 at halftime.
Despite the scoreline, Uganda returned with a more composed approach in the second half, trying to contain Morocco’s relentless attack. They showed improved defensive organization and moments of offensive intent. However, substitute El Aoud set up Baha for his second and Morocco’s final goal in the 71st minute, sealing the hosts’ emphatic victory.
Among those in attendance was Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim, who watched as Uganda Cubs fought hard against a well-drilled Moroccan side. The CECAFA champions will now shift focus to their crucial next match against regional rivals Tanzania on April 3rd, where victory will be key in keeping their FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification hopes alive.
