Morocco will take on Uganda this Sunday in the opening match of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with both teams eager to make a strong start to the tournament.
Where to Watch Morocco vs Uganda
The match is scheduled to be held at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, kicking off at 10:00 pm local time (GMT). Viewers in France can tune in at midnight, while fans in Uganda will be able to watch at 1:00 am local time.
The game will be broadcast live in Morocco on Arryadia, ensuring extensive coverage for football enthusiasts.
Match Preview and Analysis
After falling short in the previous edition of the tournament held in Algeria, Morocco enters this competition with the clear ambition of claiming the title on home soil.
Securing a victory in their opening match would provide a significant morale boost and send a strong message to their rivals.
The Atlas Lions arrive at the tournament in good form, having finished second in a preparatory competition organized by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) last month.
Morocco remained unbeaten in the tournament, recording two draws and a win, finishing behind reigning U17 African champions Senegal.
Head coach Nabil Baha has the advantage of a fully fit squad at his disposal as he prepares for this crucial encounter.
His counterpart, Uganda’s Brian Ssenyondo, is equally optimistic, hoping to lead his team to a strong group-stage campaign and potentially secure Uganda’s first-ever qualification for the U17 AFCON quarterfinals.
Players to Watch
Morocco will need to be particularly cautious of Uganda’s attacking threats, including James Bogere and Abubakali Walusimb, who were standout performers in the East African qualifiers.
Bogere emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, while Walusimb was named the best player.
Another key figure for Uganda is Magala Isima Mulala, who earned recognition as the best player in the Ugandan schools championship last year.
As both teams prepare for their opening clash, the stage is set for an exciting encounter to kick off the U17 AFCON tournament.