Uganda Cubs aim to extend historic U-17 World Cup run against Senegal

U17 FIFA World Cup (Round of 32)

Senegal v Uganda (Saturday, 3:30pm)

Uganda will be chasing another milestone when the national U17 side, the Cubs, face Senegal in the round of 32 at the ongoing U17 FIFA World Cup today, Saturday, at Aspire Zone Pitch 7 in Rayyan, Doha.

The Cubs are already experiencing a dream campaign. Their maiden qualification for any FIFA World Cup tournament was historic in itself, yet the team has surpassed expectations by advancing to the knockout stages, the primary target set before their departure for Qatar.

Uganda’s group-stage journey has produced unforgettable moments. James Bogere’s strike against Canada became the country’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, and a memorable 1-0 victory over European giants France secured their place in the knockout round.

The team now faces a significant challenge in Senegal, one of the in-form sides of the tournament. The West Africans topped Group C with seven points after victories over the United Arab Emirates and Costa Rica, followed by a draw with Croatia.

Their explosive attack and disciplined structure make Saturday’s contest arguably tougher than Uganda’s match against France.

Senegal’s major threat will be forward Bakary Sonko, who announced himself with a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over the UAE. Playmaker Alwaly Camara, scorer of the winner against Costa Rica, is also notable for his long-range efforts that often trouble goalkeepers.

Uganda’s defence, which has conceded three goals so far, will need to be at its strongest. Captain Hamuza Sengooba, Elvis Torach, Jovan Mukisa and Steven Oyirwoth have formed a determined backline that has worked hard to protect goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi.

Waibi’s crucial save to deny France’s Christ Batola proved decisive in securing Uganda’s historic win, and his composure will once again be vital.

In attack, James Bogere remains Uganda’s main hope. With two goals already, one against Canada and the winner against France, the forward has shown impressive composure in front of goal.

Uganda celebrates after scoring the only goal of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Group K clash with France in Doha, Qatar to qualify for the round of 32. (AFP Photo)

Arafat Nkoola, although yet to score, has played an important role in creating chances and was unlucky not to convert against France when his strike hit the crossbar.

The midfield trio of Brain Jjara, Abubakali Walusimbi and Isma Magala will again be responsible for dictating the tempo and disrupting Senegal’s build-up play. Their ability to combine effectively with Bogere, Nkoola and Richard Okello could be decisive.

Oyirwoth believes the team’s unity and the lessons learned from the group stage have prepared them well for Saturday’s decisive meeting with Senegal.

“We are in a must-win match, there is no second chance,” said Oyirwoth. “We have learned a lot from playing different teams with different systems. We just need to stay calm, manage the pressure and avoid mistakes because Senegal knows we are not an easy team after beating France.”

Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has urged his players to embrace the occasion rather than feel weighed down by expectations.

“Our target was to get out of the group, and we achieved it,” he said. “Everything from here is a bonus. The players should enjoy the match, compete and push for a place in the round of 16.”

Uganda is one of nine African teams to reach the round of 32 in this expanded 48-team World Cup, reflecting the continent’s increasing impact at the youth level.