The Uganda U17 Boys National Team delivered a commanding performance at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday afternoon, defeating Kenya 5-0 in a display of clinical finishing and teamwork to secure their place in the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers.
Forward Bogere James was the star of the show, netting a brilliant hat trick with goals in the 18th, 42nd, and 51st minutes to take home the matchday ball and cement his position as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals. Additional goals from Magala Isima Mulala in the 40th minute and Wanyama Simon in the 81st minute completed Uganda’s emphatic victory over their East African rivals.
Uganda started the match with purpose, immediately taking control of possession and dictating the tempo. Bogere opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a penalty kick after a foul on himself. As the half progressed, Uganda’s relentless pressing paid off again in the 40th minute when Magala Isima Mulala unleashed a clinical strike a few inches into the box to double the lead.
Before the halftime whistle, Bogere struck again in the 42nd minute, punishing Kenya for a defensive lapse to make it 3-0. The young Cranes returned for the second half with the same intensity, and Bogere completed his hat trick in the 51st minute.
Kenya struggled to find a response, and Uganda’s defense remained resolute throughout the match. The final nail in Kenya’s coffin came in the 81st minute when Wanyama Simon fired home a sublime finish to seal the victory in style.
After the match, Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised his team’s impressive display and highlighted their ability to execute the game plan. “The boys were fantastic today—disciplined, focused, and clinical. Kenya is a physically tough side, but we maintained our composure and played our football. It’s always satisfying to see the team’s hard work pay off with such a performance.”
Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against defending champions Somalia on Tuesday, 24th December, at 4:30 pm, Ssenyondo acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Somalia is a strong team, and we respect them. In the previous edition, they beat us in the semifinals in Ethiopia, so we know the level of competition they bring. We’ll use these two rest days to prepare and ensure we’re ready to give our best.”
Pictorial
