Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo says he is pleased with the strides his side is making as preparations intensify for next month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Uganda Cubs, currently holding a training camp in Dubai, began their series of international build-up matches with a spirited 1-1 draw against Venezuela at the Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club.
After a balanced first half, James Bogere fired Uganda ahead just seven minutes into the second period, finishing off a brilliant defence-splitting pass from Isma Magala in the 52nd minute. However, the South Americans restored parity midway through the second half, leveling matters in the 74th minute.
🎙️ — U17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s postmatch remarks after a 1-1 draw in the international friendly game against Venezuela U17 in Dubai.#UGAVEN pic.twitter.com/82eXA4TnB0
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 24, 2025
Reflecting to FUFA media on the encounter, Ssenyondo said he was impressed by the test Venezuela provided and the way his players adapted to the challenge.
“Venezuela was a very good test for us and yes we have got a taste of what we are going to see at the World Cup. But overall, the game was good,” Ssenyondo said after the 1-1 draw.
“It was a tough game, but again we dominated from the first minute,” he added, stressing that the focus was not just on the result but on how well the youngsters implemented their training routines under pressure.
The tactician praised his players for their energy and creativity, noting that the Cubs created numerous opportunities but lacked the finishing touch.
“If you look at the entire game throughout the first half, we would have gone to the break with about five goals because we created a lot of chances. In the second half, we would have converted like three or four from the many chances we created,” Ssenyondo noted.
📹 James Bogere’s goal against Venezuela U-17 today
Result: Uganda U-17 1️⃣-1️⃣ Venezuela U-17#UGAVEN | #InternationalFriendly pic.twitter.com/DWetUFdYEk
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 23, 2025
Ssenyondo underscored that efficiency in front of goal remains the next area of improvement.
“Now what we need to do is to score more than the opponent or keep a clean sheet and if we do that we are good to go,” he stated.
Despite the missed opportunities, the coach expressed delight in the team’s cohesion and tactical execution.
“Despite the missed chances, I am very happy as a coach to see how the boys have been coordinating on the pitch through combination play, mobility, making runs and building from the back through the middle third to the final third. The boys have been doing everything we do at training,” he concluded.
It started as a dream, now a reality.
The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team is at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 Qatar 🇶🇦
3rd-27th November 2025 #FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/GrNpUXRm9V
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 20, 2025
The Cubs are scheduled to continue their tune-up matches in Dubai, taking on Panama on Sunday, October 26, before wrapping up their camp with a clash against Paraguay on Tuesday, October 28.
