Uganda U-15 coach Hamuza Lutalo has cautioned his players to be ready for a tough encounter against South Sudan in their CECAFA U-15 Championship match on Tuesday at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The Uganda Rhinos are the defending champions and started their title defense with a thumping 15-0 victory over Djibouti on Saturday.
However, the coach is not taking South Sudan lightly, warning his players to be prepared for a difficult match.
“A victory in this game will help our chances of making it to the semifinals,” Lutalo said.
“We have to play with character like we did against Djibouti. In the past, South Sudan has given us challenges, so we have to be prepared for a tough encounter. We are at home, and we can build on that.”
Uganda is top of Group A, which also includes Ethiopia and Djibouti. Group B consists of Tanzania, Somalia, Zanzibar, and Rwanda. The tournament will run from November 4-16.
Uganda’s Dominant Start
Uganda started their CECAFA U-15 Championship campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing Djibouti 15-0 on Saturday.
Enock Bagenda scored four goals, while Richard Okello and Simon Wanyama each scored hattricks. Captain Abubakali Walusimbi scored a brace, and Frank Ssekanjako, Owen Mukisa, and Ronald Kigoye added the other goals.
Lutalo was pleased with his team’s performance against Djibouti but believes that they can still improve.
“My players managed to live up to what we told them to do,” Lutalo said. “We are going to build on that in our next games.”
Ethiopia and South Sudan shared spoils in 1-1 draw in other game in group A. Lazarus Laku was on target for South Sudan while Dawit Kidus equalised for Ethiopia.
Key Players
Uganda will be relying on a number of key players in their quest to defend their CECAFA U-15 Championship title.
Bagenda, Okello, Wanyama, and Walusimbi are all key players in the team’s attack, while Lazarus Laku is a key player for South Sudan.
Uganda beat Kenya 4-0 to win the first edition in 2019 in Asmara, Eritrea.
This year’s edition Kenya notified CECAFA that they will not be able to send a team for the Championship just like Sudan, Burundi and Eritrea who also are unable to enter teams.
CECAFA U-15 Championship fixttures
Tuesday
At 12:30pm
Djibouti v Ethiopia
At 3:30pm
South Sudan v Uganda
Friday
Djibouti v South Sudan
Uganda v Ethiopia
Courtesy Photos
