Teenage sensation James Bogere set for AFCON 2025 debut at 17
Bogere described his inclusion in the senior national team as a defining moment. “Being named in the AFCON squad is a dream come true, and I am ready to work hard and represent Uganda proudly,” he said.
Uganda Cranes teenage forward James Bogere. Courtesy photo
Uganda Cranes teenage forward James Bogere is set to open a new chapter in his fast-rising career after being named in the final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bogere described his inclusion in the senior national team as a defining moment. “Being named in the AFCON squad is a dream come true, and I am ready to work hard and represent Uganda proudly,” he said.
At just 17 years old, Bogere has already established himself as one of the Uganda Cubs’ most reliable scorers, netting 14 goals in 15 matches across international tournaments. His goals came at the U17 CECAFA Qualifiers in Uganda, the U17 AFCON in Morocco, international friendlies in Dubai, and the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Explaining his consistency, Bogere credited teamwork and discipline. “Scoring goals comes from teamwork and discipline, and every goal pushes me to work harder and help my team succeed,” he noted.
Bogere finished as top scorer at the U17 CECAFA Qualifiers. At the U17 AFCON, he scored against Tanzania and later struck a brace as Uganda Cubs came from behind to beat The Gambia 2-1 in the playoff, sealing qualification for the World Cup. He was twice named Player of the Match.
He also made history at the FIFA U17 World Cup, scoring Uganda’s first-ever goal at the tournament against Canada, before netting the winner in a 1-0 victory over France that sent Uganda into the round of 32.
The striker emphasized that goals only matter when they contribute to team success. “Goals only matter when they help the team win, because football is about results, responsibility, and collective success,” Bogere added.
Bogere hails from Jinja, born to Ms Ajambo Jane and the late Hannington Sengero of Wailaka Village. He studied at Blessed Sacrament Kimanya Secondary School in Masaka and previously played for Masaka Sunshine FC. He recently signed for Denmark’s AGF Bold Football Club from El Cambio Academy.
He now joins experienced forwards Steven Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, Jude Ssemugabi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Lorenzen Melvyn, and Reagan Mpande in the final Cranes squad.
Uganda will be making its eighth AFCON appearance, placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Tunisia. The Cranes open their campaign against Tunisia on December 23.