
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON Morocco 2025: Uganda coach Brian Ssenyondo describes Group A as 'group of death"
Head coach of the Uganda U-17 national team, Brian Ssenyondo believes his side has been drawn into one of the toughest groups of the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The continental youth competition, which serves as a qualifier for the 10 African teams that will compete at this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup will take place in Morocco between 30 March – 19 April 2025.
Following the draw which was conducted at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo last week, the former Kitara FC coach said the team's target was qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup but must first navigate what he described as the 'group of death' of the competition.
'I would say it is a group of death because all the teams are very hard but we started this journey with just one target, which is to qualify for the World Cup and we will give it our all to see to it that at the end of the matches in the group, we are through to the world cup', said Ssenyondo.
The young tactician, who will be leading the Uganda Cubs to their second TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations also weighed in on the three Group A opponents Morocco, Tanzania and Zambia.
'We have been waiting for this draw and luckily enough, we now know who we will play. It is not a draw you' welcome but one you will take. Facing Morocco there as hosts will make the group hard. We are playing the hosts who know what it means to qualify for a World Cup. The other team is Tanzania. It's always a hard one against Tanzania. The opponent we have not read about much is Zambia. They have played in the COSAFA competitions which makes them a hard opponent,' added the coach.
Uganda's first and last appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON was in the 2019 edition held in Tanzania where they narrowly missed out on a knockout stage spot. The East African nation suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Angola, drew 1-1 against Nigeria and overcame hosts, Tanzania 3-0 which unfortunately was not enough to see them through.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CAF
2 hours ago
- CAF
Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana): 'I Want to Make My Country Proud'
Revealed during the 2022 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a stunning brace against Burundi. Top scorer of the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals, the Botswanan striker is determined to make her mark Just weeks before a new continental campaign, the star of the Mares shares her ambitions, her personal growth, and her deep desire to inspire a new generation of female footballers. She doesn't need to raise her voice to be heard. Her statistics speak for themselves: top scorer in the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals, decisive with a brace against Burundi (4-2) in the last TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON — Refilwe Tholakele has become a powerful figure in African women's football. At 29, the Botswanan forward, now shining at Mamelodi Sundowns, has gone from breakout star to established leader. Just days before another continental challenge with the Mares — placed in a tough group with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia — Tholakele exudes calm confidence. In this heartfelt interview with she looks back at her personal evolution, her deep bond with the national jersey, and her strong desire to inspire. Botswana is in Group B with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia. What's your take on this group? Refilwe Tholakele: It's clearly a very tough group. We're talking about countries with experience, players competing in top leagues, and real traditions in women's football. But for us, it's an opportunity. These kinds of matchups help a team grow. We respect our opponents, of course, but we're not afraid. Since our last participation, we've progressed in every area — mentally, physically, and as a team. This Women's AFCON is our chance to show what we're really worth. What are you focusing on in your personal preparation? I'm working hard on several aspects of my game. Physically, I want to be able to repeat high-intensity efforts and maintain that intensity for 90 minutes or more. I've also focused a lot on my decision-making in the final third — whether it's finishing chances or creating them for teammates. And then there's the mental aspect: staying composed when the game heats up, managing emotional highs and lows. I also do a lot of visualization. I picture myself in different match situations and prepare to respond calmly and precisely. It's those small details that make the difference at this level. What does the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON mean to you? It's much more than just a competition. It's a childhood dream come true — but also a mission. Wearing the Botswana jersey at WAFCON means representing an entire nation, making our voice heard across the continent. It's a stage that highlights the journeys, sacrifices, and ambitions of African women footballers. For me, it's also a moment of family pride: I think of my parents, of those who supported me through tough times, of my community. Playing at AFCON is a way to honour their trust, patience, and love. What do you take from your first WAFCON experience in 2022? It was a shock — but a constructive one. We faced players with great composure, real football intelligence, and impressive physical power. I realized how much work I still had to do. But it wasn't discouraging — quite the opposite. It was like an accelerated course. I learned to read the game faster, to handle media pressure better, and to stay calm in big matches. That first WAFCON gave me a roadmap for improvement. It also made me hungrier. I came out of it with one thought: come back and do better. What has changed in your approach since the last tournament? I'm more complete now, I think. I've understood that football isn't just played with your legs. These days, I prepare for matches with my head as well. I spend time analysing opponents, identifying their weaknesses, anticipating different match scenarios. I'm no longer just a finisher — I want to be a player who influences the game, helps in recovering the ball, talks, and guides others. I also aim to be a mentor for the younger players. AFCON is a short, intense tournament, and every detail matters. We can't afford to be spectators in our own matches anymore. How can Botswana surprise the continent in this competition? Our greatest strength is our cohesion. This group is close-knit, works hard, and deeply believes in its potential. We have nothing to lose — and that changes everything. There's a real desire to prove we're not just here to participate. We've established a strong work ethic, an ambitious game plan, and a competitive mindset. If we stay focused, united, and don't let the pressure crush us, I think we can cause upsets. We know our limitations, but we also know our strengths. And sometimes, the element of surprise can be decisive. What drives you to keep improving every day? It's a combination of several things. First, my family — I want to make them proud. My country, too — I know young girls are watching me and thinking it's possible. That responsibility pushes me to lead by example. And then, my own dreams. I still have many goals, both at club level and with the national team. I want to push my limits, to prove that even coming from a country where women's football is still developing, we can aim for excellence. Every training session, every match is a chance to improve. I don't want to waste that. What does the national team jersey mean to you? It's an emotion that's hard to describe. Every time I wear it, I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and responsibility. It's not just a jersey — it's the symbol of a whole people, of all the battles fought to give women's football its rightful place. I think of the dusty fields of my childhood, the sacrifices made to play, the sceptical looks we had to overcome. Wearing this jersey is a tribute to all of that. And it's also a promise: to fight until the last second to defend our colours. Off the field, what has football given you? Football has given me structure and a framework. It taught me to manage my time, to bounce back after setbacks, and to believe in myself. It has also allowed me to travel, to discover other cultures, and to connect with inspiring players. Without football, I might not be the person I am today. It has given me opportunities I never imagined. And most importantly, it taught me that anything is possible when you work with passion and consistency. What would you like people to remember about you after this WAFCON? That I gave everything, from the first to the last match. I'd like to be remembered as a committed, generous player who always gave her all for the national jersey. I want to be seen as a fighter, but also as a woman who inspired, motivated, and gave others the desire to dream. If one girl, somewhere in Botswana or elsewhere, decides to follow her passion after watching me play — then I've achieved something meaningful. Football is a team sport, but it can also change individual lives. I hope to be living proof of that.


See - Sada Elbalad
13 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Saudi Arabia lose 2-1 to Australia in World Cup qualifier
Rana Atef On Tuesday, the Saudi national team lost 2-1 to their Australian counterpart in the final round of the third stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game took place at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Saudi Arabia's goal was scored by Abdulrahman Al-Aboud in the 19th minute of the match, which was attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the main stand. Australia equalized in the 43rd minute through Conor Metcalfe, before Mitchell Duke added the second goal in the 48th minute. The first-leg encounter between the two teams in Sydney had ended in a goalless draw. Saudi Arabia's hopes to qualify for the global tournament are still alive as they will participate in the Asian playoffs. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean


See - Sada Elbalad
17 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Bayern Munich Reveal Club World Cup Squad & 2024/2025 Home Kit
Rana Atef On Tuesday, Bayern Munich officially revealed their new home kit for the 2024/2025 season, which the team will use starting with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The club's official account on the social media platform 'X' posted several photos of Bayern players wearing the new jersey, accompanied by the caption: 'For the city, the club, and the fans – in red and white.' 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 عاااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااااجل — رسميًا: قائمة بايرن ميونيخ في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية! 😰♥️ — عمرو (@bt3) June 10, 2025 In the same context, the team announced their squad for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The lineup is as follows: Goalkeeper: Leon Klanac, Manuel Neuer, Daniel Peretz, Jonas Urbig Defense: Adam Aznou, Sacha Boey, Raphaël Guerreiro, Cassiano Kiala, Kim Min-jae, Josip Stanišić, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano Midfield: Tom Bischof, Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer, Joshua Kimmich, João Palhinha, Aleksandar Pavlović, David Santos Attack: Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane, Lennart Karl, Maurice Krattenmacher, Jonah Kusi-Asare, Thomas Müller, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Leroy Sané read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean