MARRAKECH, Morocco — Uganda’s Under-17 men’s national football team, the Cubs, secured a historic spot at this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar on Saturday after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against The Gambia.
Playing in a special playoff for third-place finishers at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Uganda rallied after conceding an early goal to edge The Gambia. Uganda had finished third in Group A, while The Gambia finished third in Group C.
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Ahmed Njudu Kanyi put The Gambia ahead in the opening minute. However, Uganda responded swiftly, with James Bogere volleying in an equalizer in the 14th minute after a cross from Elvis Torach. The goal stood after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Bogere then scored his second goal in the 32nd minute. Torach was again involved, breaking through on a long pass and being fouled. The referee played advantage, and the ball fell to Bogere, who slotted it home.
A Richard Okello goal for Uganda was ruled offside before halftime.
Uganda was forced to make two substitutions in the second half. Ashraf Kyakuwa was replaced by Thomas Ogema in the 57th minute due to injury, and Simon Wanyama came on for Derrick Ssozi at the same time.
Wanyama missed two clear chances to extend Uganda’s lead. Despite late pressure from The Gambia, the Uganda Cubs held on for the 2-1 victory.
This marks Uganda’s second-ever qualification for a FIFA World Cup across all age categories. While the Uganda U-20 team reached the AFCON final in 2021 and qualified for the World Cup, that tournament was later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U-17 Cubs will now become the first Ugandan national team to compete on the global stage.
Uganda joins Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa as the African nations that have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The final African slot will be decided later Saturday between Egypt and Angola.
Uganda’s Starting XI: Adrian Mukwanga (GK), Elvis Torach, John Owino, Steven Oyirwoth, Hamuza Ssengooba (C), Jovan Mukisa Nsereko, Ashraf Kyakuwa, Isma Magala Mulala, James Bogere, Derrick Ssozi, Richard Okello.
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