Uganda U17’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup will be determined through a playoff path after losing the final group game to Zambia.
In the game played on Sunday at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Zambia earned a 2-1 win.
The Cubs will rue the several chances missed on the day with Zambia just being more clinical in front of goal.
Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu and Substitute Billy Daka scored the goals for Zambia while Uganda’s goal was scored by Elvis Torach.
The first chance of the game fell to James Bogere in the fourth minute, dazzling through the Zambian defence but the ball stuck into his feet and could not generate a decent strike.
Four minutes later, Isima Magala Mulala tested the Zambian goalkeeper from distance but the latter was equal to the effort.
Uganda’s surge continued and Simon Wanyama should have scored in the 10th minute when Bogere released him in front of goal but he chose to go for power and the goalkeeper once again saved.
On the other hand, Zambia had their first attempt in the 13th minute but defender John Brian Owino made a timely clearance to deny Nthasilwe Malupande.
The brilliant start continued for Uganda with Ashraf Kyakuwa and Bogere getting two chances in quick succession. Kyakuwa fired wide while goalkeeper Rogers Simumba denied Bogere.
It was Zambia who took the lead against run of play with Chipelu finding the back of the net in the 20th minute.
Bogere had another opportunity in the 38th minute when Wanyama’s cross found him at the far post but the Zambian goalkeeper once again stood tall to deny him.
Wanyama who, towards the end of the first half, drifted to the left wing had his looping headed effort go just over the crossbar.
At the stroke of halftime, Captain Okello had a glorious chance when he won possession but chose to go for glory rather than putting the ball on the plate for Wanyama and Bogere who were right in front of goal.
At the start of the second half, Uganda’s coach Brian Ssenyondo made a change, bringing on Trevor Mubiru in place of Joseph Langol.
Uganda picked up from where they left off in the first half with Torach levelling matters in the 49th minute.
A long ball from Bogere was well controlled by roving right back Torach who fired a ferocious strike past goalkeeper Simumba.
In the 53rd minute, Torach made a daunting run into the area but failed to pick a pass to Bogere and goalkeeper Simumba once again made a good save.
Torach teed up Bogere again but an awkward bounce could not allow the forward a decent strike.
Against the run of play again, Zambia were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute when Stephen Oyirwoth took down Jonathan Kalimina in the box but goalkeeper Adrian Mukwanga denied substitute Billy Daka.
There was another change for Uganda in the 75th minute with Marvin Kabiito replacing Wanyama.
Magala nearly sent Uganda into the lead with eleven minutes to play but his volleyed effort went just wide.
Zambia was able to regain its lead with six minutes to play when Daka redeemed himself off a deflected effort.
Uganda will now face a yet to be identified opponent via a playoff to determine one of the two teams that will join the quarterfinalists in representing Africa at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.