The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team (Cubs) kicked off their pre-tournament preparations with a spirited performance against Burkina Faso U17 in an international friendly played on Sunday evening at the Ziaida Sports Complex training ground. Despite a determined display, the Cubs fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat, conceding a late goal in stoppage time.
It was a game filled with energy, tactical battles, and moments of brilliance, with both teams using the opportunity to assess their readiness ahead of crucial AFCON tournament. Right from the start, Uganda showed confidence on the ball, stringing together neat passes and pressing high against their West African opponents. Burkina Faso, however, proved equally resilient, showcasing their physicality and quick attacking transitions.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Uganda conceded a penalty after a defensive lapse inside the box. Issouf Bara stepped up for Burkina Faso and calmly slotted the ball past the Ugandan goalkeeper, giving his side a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. The Cubs, however, did not lose focus. Instead, they regrouped and continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
Their efforts bore fruit in the dying minutes of the first half. A well-worked attacking move saw the ball fall kindly to Ssozi Derick, who made no mistake in burying it into the net in the 45th minute. The goal brought the Cubs level just before the halftime whistle, sending them into the break with renewed confidence.
Coming back for the second half, Uganda started strongly and wasted no time in making their intent clear. Just six minutes after the restart, Bogere James put the Cubs ahead with a well-placed finish in the 51st minute, sending the Ugandan bench into celebration. The goal seemed to shift the momentum in Uganda’s favor, with the boys enjoying more possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
However, Burkina Faso gradually grew back into the match, capitalizing on moments of lapse in Uganda’s defense. In the 78th minute, Alassane Bagayoko found space in the box and fired in the equalizer, bringing the game back to 2-2.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams intensified their efforts, with Uganda pressing for a winning goal while Burkina Faso looked to exploit defensive gaps. Unfortunately for the Cubs, heartbreak struck in stoppage time when Mohamed Sacko scored in the 90+2 minute, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Burkina Faso.
Despite the loss, the Cubs’ head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained optimistic about the team’s performance and development.
“We dominated play, scored a goal in the last minutes of the first half and again in the early minutes of the second half. All goals we conceded were avoidable because they were individual players’ mistakes,” he noted.
He further emphasized the team’s commitment to improving ahead of the main tournament. “We will improve on our game as we move on, so that we attain our goal of World Cup qualification.”
The Cubs will now focus on their next challenge, an international friendly against Cameroon on March 26th, as they continue fine-tuning for the upcoming tournament.
Uganda U17 lineup against Burkina Faso
Lukyamuzi Ashiraf (GK), Owino John Brian, Torach Elvis, Mukisa Jovan, Oyirwoth Steven, Jjara Brain, Magala Isima Mulala
Ssozi Derick, Okello Richard (C), Bogere James, Kabiito Marvin
Substitutes: Mukwanga Adrian(GK), Masabo Muhamad(GK), Mubiru Travor, Sengooba Hamuza, Langol Joseph, Ogema Thomas(replaced Ssozi Derick in second half), Kyakuwa Ashiraf, Oyedele Ethan, Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio, Ntege Abdul Lukenge, Wanyama Simon
