Uganda U-17 coach Brian Ssenyondo has vowed his side will bounce back from their disappointing 5-0 defeat to hosts Morocco at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Cubs were handed a humbling loss in their opening group match, but Ssenyondo says the setback is not the end of the road as his team eyes qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“A false start is not the end of the race,” Ssenyondo said defiantly in the post-match press conference.
“It’s never easy facing the host nation, especially a side like Morocco, who are well ahead of us in the FIFA rankings. But we’re not here to make up the numbers.”
Ssenyondo remained calm despite the scoreline and insists Uganda will refocus for their next match against regional rivals Tanzania — a game that now carries do-or-die stakes.
“I firmly believe we will recover,” he added.
“I know my team, and I know what they are capable of. We will bounce back. I’ll give the boys tonight to process this loss, but tomorrow we go back to work.”
The coach emphasised that his players remain focused on their mission: to secure one of the coveted World Cup qualification spots and make history for Ugandan football.
“Despite this defeat, the boys are not discouraged,” Ssenyondo said.
“In fact, they are more motivated. They want to write history for their country. We know there will be no second chances. Champions are revealed when they’re up against the wall.”
Uganda’s next match against Tanzania will be more than just a group fixture.
It is a survival battle in the tournament, but also an opportunity for a young squad to show it has what it takes to join the continent’s elite at youth level.
