The head coach of Somalia’s U-17 team Mohamed Abdulkhadir Sheikhdon has promised that his team will continue fighting on in the remaining matches at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

Somalia suffered a 3 -0 defeat to Tunisia in their opening Group C match played at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium, El Jadida in Morocco on Tuesday night.

But Sheikhdon has made it clear that most of his players were not used to the big stage in the opening match, but will re-group and improve in the next matches.

“We are determined to keep fighting in the remaining two Group matches because we know what we should do to be able to progress in the competition,” added the Somalia coach.

Somalia will next face The Gambia on April 4^th in their second Group C match. The Gambia also suffered a 1-0 defeat to reigning champions Senegal in their opening match.

In Group A the other teams from the CECAFA Zone Uganda and Tanzania have all suffered defeats. Uganda Cubs suffered a 5-0 loss to hosts Morocco, while Tanzania lost 4-1 to Zambia.

The top 10 teams at the U-17 AFCON will ends on April 19th will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar as the CAF representatives.

Tanzania have suffered a 4-1 defeat to Zambia in their first Group A match at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

After a defensive lapse by the Tanzanian team Jonathan Kalimina gave the Junior Chipolopolo the lead after only 8 minutes at the El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia.

Captained by Kassim Juma Tanzania tried to re-organise  themselves and started to create some chances up-front through Jabiri Farijala and Juma Abushiri.

But before the interval Abel Nyirongo made it 2-0 for Zambia after picking a good cross from Nthasilwe Malupande.

After the break Tanzania returned charged and determined to get some goals as they had Juma Sagwe’s shot saved.

But the highly passing Zambian side continued to push forward and Mike Mutale netted their third goal after 79 minutes. Sagwe finally pulled a goal back for Tanzania with a well-timed header that beat Zambia’s goalkeeper Rogers Simumba.

Substitute Gabriel Phiri increased Zambia’s lead with the clock ticking away.

Tanzania will return to action on Thursday with a match against fellow CECAFA side Uganda. The Uganda Cubs lost their opening Group A match 5-0 to hosts Morocco on Sunday night.

Uganda Cubs made a poor start in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 falling 5-0 to hosts in a Group A match that ended on Sunday night.

Within the early 10 minutes the home side scored two goals through Ilies Belmoktar and Driss at the El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia.

The AS Monaco striker punished the flat footed Ugandan defence after only 3 minutes, and Belmokhtar made it 2-0 off a corner five minutes later.

The CECAFA U-17 reigning champions tried to settle down, but failed to match Morocco’s midfield department. Ziyad Baha also got his name on the score sheet after 24 minutes after converting a penalty.

Uganda later conceded another after 32 minutes with Belmokhtar placing the ball between the legs of past goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi to make it 4-0.

After the interval Uganda made some changes, but Ziyad Baha netted his second of the night after 72 minutes. The Cubs tried to push forward, but failed to find the goals.

Action shifts to CECAFA’s second representatives Tanzania who face Zambia in another Group A match on Monday at the El Bachir Stadium, Mohammedia. On Tuesday Somalia will kick start their Group C campaign with a match against Tunisia.

The top 10 teams at the U-17 AFCON will ends on April 19^th will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar as the CAF representatives.

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo has named Uganda’s final squad ahead of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

The competition that will attract 16 teams will take place March 30th to April 19th, 2025 in Morocco.

Uganda Cubs, winners of the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers are placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Tanzania and Zambia.

“We have been preparing well and we travel to continue with the preparations in Morocco before the tournament kicks-off,” said Ssenyondo before the team traveled on Thursday. The team is also expected to have some build-up matches.

The coach made it clear that his major target will be to make it to the later stages so that the team can qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The top 10 teams will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 to take place in Qatar.

Uganda Cubs will open their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 30^th.

Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia are the three teams that will represent the CECAFA Zone at the AFCON U-17 qualifiers.

Uganda’s squad

Adrian Mukwanga, Ashraf Kyakuwa, Trevor Mubiru, Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC Junior Team), Jovan Nsereko Mukisa (NEC FC Junior Team), Hamza Sengooba, James Bogere, Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Ethan Adeleke Afuga Andreas Oyedele (Bradfield College), Joseph Langol (Paorhinar Soccer Academy), Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Derrick Ssozi (Fort Portal Tax Operators FC), Thomas Ogema, Ashraf Lukyamuzi, Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC Soccer Academy),  Richard Okello ( Bidco FC Junior Team), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive), Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College School), Brain Jjara (KCCA FC), John Brian Owino (Express FC Junior Team), Muhamad Masabo (Lugazi FC Junior Team), Abdul Lukenje Ntege ( Maroons FC Junior Team)