Uganda Cubs bow out of U-17 FIFA World Cup with heads held high

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The Uganda Cubs exited the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the Round of 16 after a tense 5-3 penalty shootout defeat to Burkina Faso. Although the elimination was painful, they made history as the first Ugandan team to reach this stage, leaving the tournament with pride and their heads held high.

Without their talismanic scorer James Bogere, who was suspended for the match, the Cubs showed commendable resilience and took an early lead against a strong Burkina Faso side. Bogere, who had scored against Canada and France, was missed as Uganda created several chances but lacked the cutting edge he normally provided.

For 76 gripping minutes, the Cubs rekindled hope across the country, surviving early nerves and maintaining their advantage until Burkina Faso eventually found an equaliser.

Uganda’s campaign included a narrow 2-1 defeat to Canada, a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Chile, and a memorable 1-0 victory over France, which sent them into the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Uganda, along with El Salvador, Fiji, the Republic of Ireland and Zambia, had never featured in a World Cup before travelling to Qatar 2025, yet they exceeded expectations with the level of performance displayed throughout their four matches.

Ireland, the only other debutant to reach the Round of 16, also bowed out after a 3-1 loss to Switzerland.

Before the match, Coach Brian Ssenyondo had encouraged his players to use the pressure of facing one of Africa’s top teams as motivation. Despite their efforts, the Cubs fell short.

“The experience we take from here is very good. Much as we have bowed out, but we are proud of ourselves because we have presented ourselves very well, and I believe much as it hurts to lose,e but we have lost honourably, and we go with our heads high from this tournament,” Ssenyondo said after the match.

“Huge experience is what we go back with us in Uganda, and it is not only for us but also for the people back home. I believe the young boys who are under 17 will be inspired by our experience here, and these boys will never remain the same.”

Goal scorer Arafat Nkoola, who put Uganda ahead in the 56th minute before Alassana Bagayogo equalised 20 minutes later, noted that Burkina Faso benefited from good fortune.

“We played well, but they were luckier than us, so next time I hope we can take our chances. We lost concentration in the midfield and defence for their goal, but I think we can play better next time.”

The Cubs not only earned praise from fans but also from the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and FUFA president, Moses Magogo.

“I’m very proud of the Uganda Cubs who raised the Ugandan flag high in Qatar. Courage and passion are the right foundation for a fruitful future. The real story has just begun. Well done!” Mayiga said.

Magogo also congratulated the team for representing Uganda with distinction. “You made your country happy, believe, and most importantly, very proud. Uganda football will always remember and celebrate you,” he said.