Uganda’s U17 national team, the Uganda Cubs, have carved their names into the history books by securing a spot at the FIFA U17 World Cup for the very first time.
In a dramatic playoff showdown on Saturday evening, the Uganda Cubs came from behind to defeat The Gambia’s Baby Scorpions 2-1, earning a coveted place in the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup set for November 3–27 in Qatar.
The star of the match was 17-year-old forward James Bogere, who delivered a dazzling first-half performance, scoring both goals to overturn an early setback.
Bogere, who had been a fitness concern after missing training due to injury, was cleared just in time and trusted by head coach Brian Ssenyondo — a decision that paid off in spectacular fashion.
The game began on a sour note for Uganda, as The Gambia struck within the opening minute through Ahmed Njindu. But the Uganda Cubs responded with resilience and purpose, regaining composure and intensity.
In the 13th minute, Bogere connected with a precise cross from Elvis Torach and calmly slotted home to level the score. Just 20 minutes later, he struck again with a sublime curling effort that left Gambian goalkeeper Sebastian Darboe rooted to the spot.
With a slender lead, Uganda defended with grit in the second half, absorbing pressure and holding off The Gambia to secure one of their most significant wins in youth football.
“This was our last chance,” said Coach Ssenyondo before kickoff. “Gambia is a tough opponent, but the World Cup is our dream—we have to fight for it.” And fight they did.
Uganda’s path to qualification was anything but smooth. After finishing third in Group A of the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations — behind hosts Morocco and Tanzania — the Cubs earned a second chance via the playoffs.
Their campaign had highs and lows, including a commanding 3-0 win over Tanzania and painful losses to Morocco (5-0) and Zambia (2-1). But when it mattered most, they rose to the occasion.
CAF was granted 10 spots for the upcoming World Cup, with automatic qualification going to the top two teams in each group. Uganda, as one of four third-place finishers, had to battle The Gambia for one of the last two tickets. The remaining slot will be decided in the Egypt vs. Angola playoff.
For Uganda, this moment marks more than just a qualification — it’s a breakthrough. After the U20 national team, the Hippos, qualified for the 2021 FIFA U20 World Cup only to see it cancelled due to the pandemic, this triumph feels like redemption.
Now, the Cubs are set to make history as the first Ugandan team to appear at a FIFA World Cup tournament. A nation celebrates — and dreams even bigger.
