The semi-final match of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers will see reigning champions Somalia face hosts Uganda. Both coaches emphasize the importance of strategic execution and early scoring, following contrasting paths to this stage. Additionally, South Sudan will meet Tanzania in the other semifinal. The best two teams will qualify for the U-17 AFCON in Morocco.
In anticipation of their semi-final match at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers, the head coach of Somalia’s U-17 team, Mohamed Abdulkhadir Shikhdon, expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness to compete against Uganda. The encounter is set to take place at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala. Somalia, the defending champions, is determined to overcome struggles faced in earlier matches, particularly after narrowly advancing to the knockout stage.
Shikhdon highlighted the importance of their previous successes against Uganda, recalling a victory at the same level in 2022. He emphasized the need for sharper execution in front of goal following their missed scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyondo, acknowledged the intensity of the knockout round and stressed the significance of teamwork and early goal-scoring against Somalia. Uganda advanced from Group A, finishing top after a solid performance, including a 5-0 win against Kenya.
In a parallel semi-final clash, South Sudan is set to face Tanzania. South Sudan’s coach, Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit, recognized the distinctive pressure of this stage and called for heightened effort from his players to secure a win, essential for qualification for the U-17 AFCON next year in Morocco. Simultaneously, Tanzania’s coach Aggrey Morris Ambros stressed the necessity of maintaining vigilance against South Sudan’s powerful offense. The two best teams will earn a spot in the 2025 tournament, heightening the stakes of this competitive event.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers is a pivotal tournament for young football talent in East Africa, showcasing emerging players who aspire to represent their countries on a larger stage. The current competition features six teams vying for two qualifying spots for the U-17 AFCON tournament scheduled for 2025 in Morocco. With intense interest in the semi-finals, teams are focused on strategy and performance to ensure progression to the continental championship. The lead-up to the semi-finals has been marked by strong displays from various teams, setting the stage for an exciting culmination of the qualifiers.
As the semi-finals approach in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers, both Somalia and Uganda prepare for a fiercely contested match that will determine who advances to the finals. Somalia aims to assert their dominance as reigning champions, while Uganda seeks to capitalize on their home-ground advantage. The outcomes will be pivotal, potentially shaping the future of U-17 football in the region, as both teams vie for a spot in the prestigious U-17 AFCON in Morocco.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
