Uganda and Tanzania ended in a 1-1 draw in their U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. Saleh Alley opened the scoring for Tanzania, but Isima Magala equalized for Uganda in the second half. Both teams have one point in Group A, with further matches ahead in the tournament.

On Sunday, Uganda hosted a tightly contested U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Tanzania, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Tanzania initially took the lead in the first half with a goal from Saleh Alley in the 19th minute at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium. However, after halftime adjustments by Uganda’s coach, Brian Ssenyondo, the home team equalized through Isima Magala in the 58th minute, leading to a spirited performance thereafter. Despite several attempts to secure a victory, including a near miss from Magala in the dying moments, the match concluded in a draw. Both teams now hold one point in Group A, equal with one another.

The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are critical tournaments for young African teams aiming to showcase their potential on a continental platform. This particular match marked the beginning of Group A’s competition, with Uganda and Tanzania eager to advance to the semifinals. The success in these qualifiers has significant implications for the youth squads, fostering the development of soccer in their respective nations. The tournament structure indicates that the best two teams from the groups will qualify for the U-17 AFCON, scheduled to be held in Cote d’Ivoire next year.

In conclusion, the opening match of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Uganda and Tanzania resulted in a draw, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams. Although Uganda displayed resilience after adjusting their strategy in the second half, they were unable to secure a win. With further matches coming up, the teams will be looking forward to improving their standings and striving for advancement to the next stage of the tournament.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug