Bogere brace sends Uganda Cubs to maiden U17 World Cup

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The Uganda U17 men’s national football team, the Cubs, sealed a historic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, after edging The Gambia 2-1 in a dramatic play-off match at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Saturday.

Despite conceding within seconds of kick-off through Ahmed Njudu Kanyi, the Cubs showed remarkable character and resilience to mount a memorable comeback. James Bogere scored twice in the first half to overturn the deficit and send Uganda to their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup at any level.

Despite conceding within seconds of kick-off through Ahmed Njudu Kanyi, the Cubs showed remarkable character and resilience to mount a memorable comeback. (Courtesy photo)

Having finished third in Group A, Uganda narrowly missed out on direct qualification to the quarter-finals and were handed a lifeline via a play-off against fellow third-placed side Gambia from Group C. Coach Brian Ssenyondo made two changes from the team that lost 2-1 to Zambia, recalling Jovan Nsereko Mukisa in midfield and starting Derrick Ssozi in attack.

Bogere’s equaliser came in the 14th minute following a pinpoint cross from right-back Elvis Torach, though the goal stood only after a lengthy VAR review. The striker struck again in the 32nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Torach was fouled in the box, with the referee allowing play to continue.

Uganda Cubs celebrate by lifting Coach Brian Senyondo after the match. (Courtesy photo)

Richard Okello had a goal ruled out for offside just before half-time, while Simon Wanyama squandered two clear chances to put the game beyond doubt in the second half. Midfielder Ashraf Kyakuwa was forced off with injury in the 57th minute and replaced by Thomas Ogema.

The win confirms Uganda’s place among Africa’s representatives at the World Cup, joining Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa. Uganda becomes only the second national side to qualify for a FIFA World Cup event after the U20 team in 2021, although that tournament was later cancelled due to COVID-19.

The Uganda U17 men’s national football team, the Cubs, sealed a historic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup, to be held later this year in Qatar, after edging The Gambia 2-1 in a dramatic play-off match. (Courtesy photo)

This achievement marks a monumental milestone in Ugandan football, as the Cubs are now on course to become the first team to actually compete at a FIFA global tournament.