**Uganda Cubs Make History, Qualify for U-17 World Cup Knockout Stage After Dramatic Win Over France**
The Uganda U-17 national football team, known as the Cubs, have made history by securing a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar—an unprecedented achievement for the East African nation.
In a tense final group-stage match at Aspire Zone Pitch 3 in Al Rayyan, Uganda triumphed over France with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, ensuring their spot among the top 32 teams in the world. The match, filled with high stakes and drama, saw Uganda deliver a performance that captured the hearts of fans across the globe.
The breakthrough moment came in the 18th minute, when team captain Hamza Ssengooba delivered a precise cut-back into the path of James Bogere. With composure beyond his years, Bogere calmly slotted the ball past the French goalkeeper to give Uganda the lead. The goal, which would ultimately prove to be the match-winner, was the culmination of a brilliant team move that began with Elvis Torach. Torach’s scintillating run down the right flank created the opportunity, showing the Cubs’ growing attacking prowess.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo’s charges knew that only a victory would guarantee their progression to the knockout rounds, and they rose to the occasion with poise and determination. The defense, led by captain Ssengooba and goalkeeper Peter Ochan, stood firm as France ramped up the pressure, throwing everything at Uganda in an effort to find an equalizer. Despite numerous close calls and relentless attacks, the Cubs held on to their slender lead, managing the game expertly until the final whistle blew.
This victory sees Uganda finish third in Group K with four points, tied with France and Canada but edging them out on goal difference. It was a tight group, with all three teams closely matched in terms of points, but Uganda’s historic triumph against France has propelled them into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Cubs’ journey to this stage has been one of steady growth. Their campaign began with a narrow 2-1 loss to Canada, before they fought back to secure a 1-1 draw with Chile. But it was their resolute and fearless performance against France that sealed their place in the history books, marking their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of the U-17 World Cup.
FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo was quick to celebrate the Cubs’ remarkable achievement. “The Uganda Cubs are flying our flag high in Qatar at the grand stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. It’s a proud moment for the country and a historical moment for the boys and the nation,” Magogo said.
With their progression to the knockout stage, Uganda now faces Switzerland, who topped Group F with seven points. It’s a new challenge, but one the Cubs will embrace with the same fighting spirit that has carried them this far.
For a team that started as underdogs, the Cubs have already achieved something extraordinary. But with the knockout rounds ahead, there’s no telling how far they can go in this historic World Cup campaign.
