Uganda U18 looks to revive their campaign and make their mark in the CECAFA U18 Boys Championship after a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tanzania U18 in the opening group stage fixture. Uganda’s young football talents are bracing themselves for a redemption clash against Zanzibar tomorrow.`
The first match saw the Ugandan side exhibit moments of promising play but ultimately fell short of securing a favourable result. Head Coach Morley Byekwaso acknowledged the need for adjustments and improvements following the loss.
Zanzibar plays similarly as Tanzania, they have a compact backline. We need to play our way, take the game to their half and score goals.
Morley Byekwaso, U18 Head Coach
He acknowledged tactical changes required by his side to overcome opponents;
We hope to have some changes in the lineup; Travis Mutyaba and Namaisi Stephen who came from the bench in the first game will be on the starting 11.
Morley Byekwaso, U18 Head Coach
One of the main talking points ahead of this fixture revolves around the team’s resilience and adaptability noted in the second half of the previous encounter when pressure was inserted towards the opponents though missing on conversion of a number of chances. Travis Mutyaba a product of the FUFA Juniors League who also plays the senior national team Uganda Cranes promises a tough fight for victory.
With my experience from the senior team, I will do a lot tomorrow with my teammates to secure results.
Travis Mutyaba, Player
With two days rest and a chance to regroup, the Ugandan squad has been seen intensifying their training sessions, focusing on both technical aspects and mental preparedness aiming to rectify the areas that led to the previous defeat and harness their strengths effectively against the Zanzibar.
Zanzibar, on the other hand, enters the game on the back of a 1-0 win over South Sudan in their opening fixture. They bring their own set of skills and strategies to the field, making this encounter a tough battle of determination and skill.
The match promises an exciting display of talent, strategy, and determination as Uganda U18 faces off against Zanzibar in what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle tomorrow 29th November 2023, at 2:00 pm at Kakamega Stadium.
