- U-17 Africa Cup of Nations | Game 2
- Tanzania Vs Uganda – El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia | 8 PM EAT
As Uganda gears up for a decisive showdown against Tanzania in the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, all eyes are on James Bogere, the young forward who remains confident despite a tough start to the tournament.
Both teams are desperate for redemption after suffering heavy defeats in their opening matches, Uganda falling 5-0 to hosts Morocco while Tanzania lost 4-1 to Zambia.
With a place in the knockout stages still up for grabs, tonight’s clash at El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia (8 PM EAT) is a must-win for both sides.
Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Bogere dismissed any pressure instead choosing to focus on the opportunity ahead.
“We know they are good, and we have played against them twice before so we understand how they play. That means we have to come in with the right character and attitude. We are prepared because the coaches have given us the plan we need to follow.”
Despite Uganda’s difficult opener, Bogere remains composed and focused, knowing that one game does not define his or the team’s capabilities.
“No, I am not under pressure because I know what I am capable of and what I can do. One game does not decide how I feel. I just need to stay calm, and I know my chance will come against Tanzania.”
With Uganda fighting for survival in the tournament, Bogere believes in the team’s ability to turn things around.
“Football always gives you another chance, and I have that chance against Tanzania. The boys are really motivated because they know how much we need this. We lost the first game, and we have to win this second game to qualify.”
This will be the second U-17 AFCON meeting between Uganda and Tanzania, with their first encounter in 2019 ending in a 3-0 victory for Uganda. However, both teams were eliminated in the group stage.
Their most recent battles came in the qualifiers for Morocco 2025 where they drew 1-1 in the group stage before Uganda edged Tanzania 2-1 in the final. Interestingly, Tanzania took the lead in both matches but failed to hold on.
Uganda Cubs lie in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Tanzania and Zambia. Only the top two across all groups will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
