Uganda and Tanzania drew 1-1 in their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Tanzania led 1-0 before Uganda equalized through Isima Magala. Uganda’s coach stressed the need for a win in their next match against Kenya to advance, while Tanzania’s coach viewed the draw positively.
In the opening match of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the CECAFA Zone, host nation Uganda drew 1-1 with Tanzania at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala. Tanzania took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Saleh Alley. However, Uganda responded after halftime, with Isima Magala scoring the equalizer in the 58th minute. Despite increased attacking pressure from Uganda, they were unable to secure a win, with Magala missing a crucial late opportunity.
Tanzanian coach Aggrey Morris Ambros remarked that securing a draw against a formidable Uganda team was a positive start to the tournament. “We started well, but Uganda played better in the second half,” he stated. Conversely, Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyondo, emphasized the necessity of a victory in their impending match against Kenya to enhance their chances of advancing to the semifinals. As it stands, South Sudan leads Group B following their 3-0 victory over Somalia, while both Tanzania and Uganda each have recorded one point in Group A.
The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers serve as a critical pathway for young teams to compete at a continental level. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), these qualifiers are particularly significant for teams in the CECAFA Zone, as both youth development and international exposure are vital for footballing growth in the region. Matches in this tournament not only provide players with competitive experience but also identify future talents for their respective national senior teams. This year’s qualifiers have garnered attention due to the participation of traditionally strong teams like Uganda and Tanzania.
The match between Uganda and Tanzania ended in a tightly contested draw, with each team gaining a point in the early stages of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Uganda’s coach acknowledged the upcoming necessity to defeat Kenya to advance, while Tanzania’s coach celebrated the draw against a strong opponent. The competition continues as these young athletes vie for a chance to showcase their talent on a larger stage. In summary, the performance of both teams during this match sets a promising tone as they seek to navigate their way through the group stage successfully.
Original Source: www.independent.co.ug
