The Uganda U17 Boys National Team produced a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, crushing Kenya 5-0 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, to secure their place in the semifinals of the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers.
Forward Bogere James was the star of the show, netting a brilliant hat-trick (18th, 42nd, 51st minutes) to claim the match ball and solidify his position as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.
Magala Isima Mulala (40th minute) and Wanyama Simon (81st minute) added further goals to complete Uganda’s emphatic victory over their East African rivals.
Uganda dominated from the outset, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Bogere opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. The relentless pressure continued, and Mulala doubled the lead with a clinical finish in the 40th minute.
Bogere struck again before halftime, extending the lead to 3-0. The second half saw no let-up in Uganda’s intensity, with Bogere completing his hat-trick in the 51st minute.
Kenya struggled to find a foothold in the game, and Uganda’s defense remained resolute throughout. Wanyama Simon’s late goal capped off a resounding victory for the young Cranes.
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo praised his team’s performance, highlighting their discipline, focus, and clinical finishing.
“The boys executed the game plan perfectly,” Ssenyondo said. “Kenya is a physically strong side, but we maintained our composure and played our football. It’s gratifying to see their hard work pay off with such a dominant display.”
Looking ahead to the semifinal clash against defending champions Somalia on Tuesday, 24th December, at 4:30 pm, Ssenyondo acknowledged the challenge.
“Somalia is a strong team, and we respect them. They beat us in the semifinals in the previous edition, so we know the level of competition they bring. We will use these two rest days to prepare and ensure we are ready to give our best,” he said.
