Brian Ssenyondo: Uganda U-17 head coach now focuses to achieve FIFA World Cup dream

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After the Uganda national U-17 football team (The Cubs) lifted the 2024 Cecafa U-17 trophy at Hamz stadium, attention swiftly turns to the preparations for the AFCON U-17 tournament due in Morocco come 2025.

Brian Ssenyondo was at the helm of the team as head coach for the Ugandan team alongside a technical team that also had Ronald Ssali, Dennis Kizito among others.

Ssenyondo is humbled for the achievement with special appreciation to the players, fellow technical team, FUFA management, schools and academies, media and the fans.

Moments after being crowned as champions, Ssenyondo boldly confessed that the target heading to Morocco is to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Brian Ssenyondo applauds the fans at Hamz Stadium | Credit: John Batanudde

“I am happy for the achievement of winning the Cecafa U-17 trophy. Special thanks goes to the players, fellow coaches, schools, academies, clubs, FUFA management, media and the fans. We embark on the preparations for the Afcon U-17 tournament with immediate effect as our target is one; to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup” Ssenyondo remarked.

Uganda recovered from a goal down to outsmart Tanzania during the final played at the Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo) on Friday, 28^th December 2024.

Tanzania’s left footed forward Abel Josiah Samson lit up the match with the opening goal in the 11^th minute past goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi

Samson nearly doubled the scores two minutes later but his shot off the lethal left foot razed off the cross bar.

Uganda made amends in the second stanza of the game with two beautiful goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere in the 62^nd and 87^th minutes respectively.

Abubakali Walusimbi and James Bogere happily show off their trophies | Credit: John Batanudde

Ssenyondo attributed the victory to thorough good preparations and collective display during the tournament.

“We embarked on the preparations for the tournament quite early, starting with the schools’ football championship. The camp we held helped in the bonding and further preparations with a number of build-up matches. We were focused and determined; I thank the boys (players) for the resilience, togetherness and discipline” Ssenyondo who dedicated the victory to the FUFA president Moses Magogo added.

Brian Ssenyondo with one of the players Shakur Magogo and assistant Denis Kizito | Credit: John Batanudde

Uganda and runners up Tanzania secured slots to play in the Afcon U-17 tournament next year.

In the third-place play-off, Somalia overcame South Sudan 4-2 in post-match penalties after normal time had ended 2 goals apiece.

Uganda’s Abubakali Walusimbi was named the most valuable player of the tournament and teammate James Bogere emerged as top scorer with 7 goals to take the golden boot.

Tanzanian goalkeeper Abrahman Nassoro was best goalkeeper of the tournament with team Tanzania taking home the fair play award.

Abrahman Nassoro with his trophy | Credit: John Batanudde

TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers:

Final: Tanzania 1-2 Uganda
Third-place: Somalia 2 (4) – 2 (2) South Sudan

Individual Awards:

Best Player of Tournament: Abubakali Walusimbi (Uganda)
Fair-play: Tanzania
Best goalkeeper: Abrahman Nassoro (Tanzania)
Top scorer: James Bogere (Uganda) – 7 Goals

Tanzania U-17 team players and officials | Credit: John Batanudde

Team Line Ups:

Tanzania U-17 XI: Abrahman Nassoro (G.K), Kassim Juma (Captain), AbdulNassir Makarani, Hussein Mbegu, Akram Shaaban, Ramadhani Kambangwa, Abel Josiah Samson, Elick Yusuph, Idrisa Kilendemo, Khamis Mbaruko, Razaki Mbegelendi

Changes:

46’ Ismail Likungilo ON, Razaki Mbegelendi OUT

55’ Zamu Ng’habi ON, Abel Josiah Samson OUT

60’ Juma Sagwe ON, Idrisa Kilendemo OUT

68’ Seif Hussein ON, Elick Yusuph OUT

68’ Juma Abushiri ON, Ramadhan Kambangwa OUT

Subs Not Used: Isaya Kasanga (G.K), Athumani Athumani, Hussein Seif, Ally Saleh, Hasan Kizinga

Uganda U17 team players celebrate on the podium at Hamz Stadium Kampala | Credit: John Batanudde

Uganda XI: Edrisah Waibi (G.K), Hamuza Sengooba, Brian Jjara, Elvis Torach, Steven Oyirwoth, Abubakali Walusimbi, James Bogere, Isima Magala, Richard Okello (Captain), Pius Oyirwoth, Arafat Nkoola

Changes:

55’ Enock Bagenda ON, Richard Okello OUT

65’ Simon Wanyama ON, Arafat Nkoola OUT

Subs not Used: Adrian Mukwanga (G.K), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (G.K), Marvin Musaazi, Marvin Kabiito, Travor Mubiru, Shakur Magogo, Thomas Ogema