Uganda U17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo says he is encouraged by his team’s performance despite a 1–1 draw with Venezuela in their opening friendly match of the Dubai training camp on Thursday evening.
The Uganda Cubs, preparing for their debut at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar next month, delivered an impressive display at Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club, showing attacking intent and tactical maturity against a physically strong South American side.
Forward James Bogere scored Uganda’s lone goal seven minutes into the second half, calmly rounding the goalkeeper after a well-timed through ball from midfielder Isima Mulala Magala. Venezuela later equalised in the 74th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse after a quick throw-in.
Speaking after the game, Ssenyondo focused on the positives rather than the result, praising his players for their discipline and ability to execute training routines in a competitive match.
“It was a tough game, but again we dominated from the first minute,” Ssenyondo said. “In the first half alone we could have scored about five goals, and in the second half at least three or four. Despite the missed chances, I’m very happy with how the boys coordinated on the pitch — the combination play, the mobility, and the build-up through the middle.”
The young Cranes were in control for large spells of the game, moving the ball confidently and creating several clear chances that only lacked a finishing touch. In stoppage time, Isima Mulala came close to snatching a late winner, his powerful effort flying inches over the bar.
Ssenyondo believes matches like this are vital as Uganda gears up for the World Cup, where they will face Canada in their opening fixture on November 5.
“Venezuela was a very good test for us,” he said. “We’ve now got a taste of what to expect at the World Cup, and it’s good to see how the boys adapt to such challenges. What we need to improve is converting our chances and keeping clean sheets — if we do that, we’ll be in a good position.”
The Uganda Cubs are currently in the middle of a 10-day training camp in Dubai aimed at refining their tactical shape and physical conditioning ahead of Qatar 2025. They will return to action on Sunday for their second friendly, against Panama.
