After a successfull run in the group stages of the ongoing CAF U17 Zonal AFCON Qualifiers in Dar es Salaam, Uganda will face another stern test against Tanzania on Friday afternoon.
Despite losing 1-0 in their opener against Ethiopia, the Uganda U17 team regrouped with another set of ideas all aimed at picking maximum points from their opponents that followed. The Cubs indeed delivered with emphatic wins over SOuth Sudan (6-1), Kenya (3-1) and Djibouti 8-0 to qualify for the Semifinals.
The match (Tanzania U17 vs Uganda U17) comes barely two weeks before the senior teams of the two Nations face off in the AFCON 2019 Qualifier at Mandela National Stadium on 8th September 2018.
Uganda finished second behind Ethiopia whereas hosts Tanzania beat Rwanda in their final match to take up the first position of group A.
While speaking to www.fufa.co.ug Uganda U-17 Head coach Onen Peter noted how his side is ready for the encounter.
‘Tanzania has already qualified for the final tournament since they are hosts. So it is us to come and do what is required of us to qualify. Since it is a decisive match for us and Tanzania being at home, they come into this game with the mind of making the home crowd proud. We are here to qualify for the final. We have strategically prepared to overcome the crowd. As they enjoy the entertainment we shall go for the win’ Onen said during the press conference
Uganda U17 head coach Peter Onen during the pre-match press Conference at the National Stadium Tanzania on Thursday
Meanwhile Tanzania U17 Head coach Oscar Mirambo says his side comes into the game with players’ and fans’ expectations high.
‘We are not looking for qualification. I am using this chance to assess how far we have gone in terms of preparation. We want to keep the consistency of our good game. The boys are ready and we know what the country is expecting from us. We are ready to deliver what is expected of us’ Oscar Mirambo noted.
Tanzania U17 head coach Oscar Mirambo during the pre-match press conference at the National Stadium , Dar Es Salaam-Tanzania
While naming the starting Line up, Onen and his technical team maintained names that featured against Djibouti and only saw left back John Rogers missing due to accumulated cautions in the group stages. Vipers SC Junior Team midfielder Asaba Ivan will also miss the semis due to suspension (2 yellow cards).
In essence, Onen has only 15 players available for selection.
The Cubs XI against Djibouti
The starting XI against Tanzania (Shirt numbers attached) – One change made
19 – Oyo Delton (GK), 2 – Ssekimbegga Kevin 4 – Kasozi Samson, 5 – Kizito Mugweri Gavin (C), 16 – Ekellot Ibrahim, 6 – Ssekajja Davis, 10 – Kakaire Thomas, 9 – Iddi Abdul Wahid, 14 – Yiga Najib, 17 – Juma Ibrahim, 12 – Alou John Kokas,
Subs
1–Semwogerere Daniel (GK), 7 – Owane Yasin Abdul, 8 – Mwaka Polycap, 15 – Mukisa Owen,
Ruled out because of cautions
11 – Asaba Ivan, 20 – John Rogers
