Uganda’s CECAFA U-17 Zonal AFCON Qualification campaign started on a bad note as they fell 0-1 to Ethiopia on Sunday at Chamazi Stadium, Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania.
Ethiopia took the lead through Mintesnot Wakjira in the 13th minute in a well attended match.
Peter Onen’s side got an opportunity to level matters in the 17 minutes later but the penalty attempt Ibrahim Ekellot wasn’t successful as he was denied by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Alazar Malko
Ethiopia’s shot stopper Alazar Malko makes a save from Ekellot’s kick
Uganda made a substitution which saw Asaba Ivan come in for Iddi Abdulwahid 8 minutes after resumption of the game in the second half. This improved the side as several attempts were made.
Uganda Captain Kizito Mugweri Gavin was booked in 54th minute as the intensity of the game increased each passing minute.
Ssekajja’s attempt was denied by the resilient defence
Defender John Rogers came in for Mwaka Polycap in the 63rd to reinforce the defence while Alou John took over Yiga Najib’s place but all efforts were denied by Ethiopia’s backline.
Uganda U17 coach Onen remains optimistic despite the loss.
‘It is always hard to approach the first match in such a tournament but I am so optimistic that we shall succeed in our upcoming matches and more conscience is called for to avoid such losses’ said Onen
Head Coach Onen Peter during an the post match Press Conference
Three players Elvis Ngondwe, goalkeeper George Oluka and defender Joseph Kafumbe missed the match after medical tests (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) failed to show they fall in the age group. FUFA wrote to the organisers for clarification on the matter as all players underwent the same test in Kampala before travelling to Tanzania.
Uganda’s starting XI
The Cubs Starting XI against Ethiopia. From L-R Standing; Ssekajja Davis, Oyo Delton (GK) Ekellot Ibrahim, Yiga Najib, Kasozi Samson and Kizito Mugweri Gavin. Front row L-R; Ssekimbega Kevin, Mwaka Polycap, Kakaire Thomas, Iddi Abdulwahid and Ibrahim JumaUganda’s Technical bench during the clash with Ethiopia at Chamazi
Subs 1–Semwogerere Daniel (GK), 20 – John Rogers, 12 – Alou John Kokas, 7 – Owane Yasin Abdul, 11 – Asaba Ivan, 15 – Mukisa Owen
Ethiopia Starting XI against Uganda
Uganda is in Group B alongside Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Kenya. The top two teams from each group proceed to the semifinals.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda’s Asaba Ivan takes charge of the ball during their clash againts Ethiopia
