Walusimbi strike sends Uganda to U-17 World Cup round of 16
Walusimbi latched onto a well-weighted pass from captain Hamuza Sengooba before unleashing a powerful strike that flew into the net, stunning fans inside Pitch 8.
Uganda Cubs U17 FIFA World Cup players celebrating. (Courtesy)
___________________ Uganda Cubs U17 FIFA World Cup squad. (Courtesy)
U-17 FIFA World Cup (Round of 32)
Senegal 0 Uganda 1
A brilliant long-range effort from Abubakali Walusimbi in the 15th minute sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Uganda over Senegal, earning the Uganda Cubs a historic place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing U17 FIFA World Cup in Rayyan, Doha, Qatar.
Walusimbi latched onto a well-weighted pass from captain Hamuza Sengooba before unleashing a powerful strike that flew into the net, stunning fans inside Pitch 8.
His goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the large Ugandan crowd, as the underdogs took an early lead against a Senegal side widely considered favourites heading into the fixture.
Senegal almost produced an immediate response, mounting relentless pressure on Uganda’s backline.
Cubs' goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi became the hero of the moment, pulling off four vital saves in just two minutes to deny Bakary Sonko and Magnane Ndour from close range.
Despite Senegal controlling much of the first half, Uganda’s disciplined defending ensured they went into the break with their slender lead intact.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both teams battling for control. Uganda nearly doubled their advantage when danger man James Bogere forced Senegal goalkeeper into a smart save at the near post in the 59th minute.
Drama unfolded in the 68th minute when the referee awarded Senegal a penalty for an alleged foul on Sonko. However, VAR intervened and overturned the decision after replays showed there was no contact from defender Steven Oyirwoth.
VAR came to Uganda’s rescue again in the 85th minute, ruling out a Senegal equaliser for offside, a decision that ignited thunderous celebrations from the Ugandan supporters.
Despite heavy stoppage-time pressure, the Cubs held firm to secure their second consecutive 1-0 win of the tournament.
The team had earlier defeated France by the same scoreline to advance as one of the best third-placed teams from the group stage, finishing behind France and Canada in Group K.
Uganda, making their debut in this expanded 48-team World Cup, continue to script a remarkable story on the global stage.
However, the victory came with a setback. Star forward James Bogere, who has scored two of Uganda’s four goals at the tournament, will miss the Round of 16 match due to suspension after accumulating multiple yellow cards.
Uganda will face either defending champions Germany or Burkina Faso in the Round of 16, with the two teams scheduled to play later in the evening at the time of filing this report.