Uganda Cubs stage come back over The Gambia to secure U17 World Cup ticket

Uganda U17 Men’s Football National Team (Uganda Cubs) secured their slot at this year’s World Cup in Qatar on Saturday after overcoming the Gambia.

The Cubs staged a comeback to edge The Gambia 2-1 at the ongoing CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

After failing to progress to the quarterfinals, which guaranteed direct qualification to the World Cup, Uganda and three other nations that had finished third in their respective groups had a backdoor opportunity to fight for the remaining two slots.

Uganda who had finished third in Group A were pitted again The Gambia who also finished in the same position in Group C.

Despite going down a few seconds after kickoff, the Cubs rallied back to secure victory and fulfill the dream of playing at the World Cup.

The team went down in history as Uganda’s second-ever qualification to a football World Cup across all age categories, including the senior team.

Whereas the U20 that reached the AFCON final in 2021 had secured a place at the World Cup, the tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Therefore, the Cubs are in line to become the first Ugandan team to feature at the global stage.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo made two changes from the team that started in the 2-1 loss to Zambia.

Jovan Nsereko Mukisa returned from suspension and started ahead of Joseph Longol in midfield. The other change saw Derrick Ssozi start up front in place of Simon Wanyama.

The Gambia took an early lead, scoring inside the first minute through Ahmed Njudu Kanyi.

Uganda was, however, able to restore parity thirteen minutes later with James Bogere volleying home. The striker was well placed to score, thanks to a well-delivered cross from roving right back Elvis Torach. The goal, however, took a long VAR intervention before it counted.

The Gambian goalkeeper Sebastian Harona Darboe was quick to move off his line in the 29th minute to clear the ball when Bogere went through on goal.

It didn’t take long for Uganda to take the lead with Bogere once again finding the back of the net in the 32nd minute.

As was with the first goal, Torach was involved when a long pass released him through on goal and in an attempt to shoot was fouled but the referee waved for advantage and the ball fell into the path of Bogere who struck home

Four minutes before the break, Richard Okello thought he had stretched the lead for Uganda but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Uganda was forced into making a change in the 57th minute when midfielder Ashraf Kyakuwa limped off after sustaining an injury. He was replaced by Thomas Ogema. At the same time, Wanyama also came on for Sozi.

Wanyama had a glorious chance to get Uganda’s third on the day when Mukisa’s cross found him unmarked at the far post but he headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

The forward yet again had another chance to kill off the game in the 82nd minute when Torach teed him up but he blasted the ball over the crossbar.

Despite The Gambia stepping up efforts towards the end of the game, Uganda Cubs remained resilient to defend their lead.

Uganda joins Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and South Africa as the other teams that have qualified for the World Cup.

The final qualification slot will be taken either by Egypt or Angola who face off later today.

Uganda’s Starting XI

Adrian Mukwanga (GK), Elvis Torach, John Owino, Steven Oyirwoth, Hamuza Ssengooba (C), Jovan Mukisa Nsereko, Ashraf Kyakuwa, Isma Magala Mulala, James Bogere, Derrick Ssozi, Richard Okello

Unused Substitutes

Ashraf Lukyamuzi (GK), Muhammad Masabo (GK), Joseph Langol, Travor Mubiru, Ethan Oyedele, Shakur Magogo, Abdul Lukenge Ntege