Overview:
The U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup is a preparatory tournament for the countries ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar (3rd to 27th November 2025). Uganda is in group K with Canada, Chile and France.
U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup 2025:
- Paraguay 3-2 Uganda
Paraguay recovered from a goal down to pip Uganda 3-2 in the U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup duel played at the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club on Tuesday evening.
James Bogere and Abubakali Walusimbi were on target for Uganda national U-17 team, The Cubs.
Alan Ledesma (penalty), Almada Derlis and De Carvalho Mauricio netted for the South Americans.
Bogere gave Uganda the lead on 24 minutes before Paraguay found the equalizer through Ledesma’s well struck penalty in the 40th minute.
The South Americans then took the lead on the stroke of half time through Almada.
Walusimbi leveled the game for Brian Ssenyondo’s coached side 10 minutes into the second half.
De Carvalho restored Paraguay’s lead with 19 minutes left on the clock for the maximum points.
This was Uganda Cubs’ second slip in the U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup having lost 1-2 to Panama on Sunday in the game the East Africans also took the lead through Simon Wanyama.
Another penalty by Gordon Gerson and Richards Moises gave Panama the victory.
Uganda had opened with a 1-all draw against Venezuela where James Bogere scored the Cubs’ goal.
The U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup is a preparatory tournament for the countries ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar (3rd to 27th November 2025).
Uganda is in group K with Canada, Chile and France.
It will be history in the making for Uganda who are playing in the first ever FIFA organized World Cup tournament.
Uganda’s full delegation in Dubai:
Players
Goalkeepers: Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC JT), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC JT) and Edris Waibi (Buddo SS).
Defenders: Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC JT), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC JT), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC JT) and Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
Midfielders: Brian Jjara (KCCA FC JT), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC JT), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC JT), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC JT), Brian John Owino (Express FC JT), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC JT), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC JT) and Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC).
Forwards: Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC JT), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC JT) and Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC JT).
Officials:
- Leader of Delegation: Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim
- Head Coach: Brian Ssenyondo
- FUFA Football Development Director/Team Manager: Bashir Mutyaba
- Assistant Coach: Ronald Ssali
- Fitness Coach: Massa Simoen
- Goalkeeping Coach: Magada Kenneth
- Team Doctors: Gumisiriza-Michael Kamu & Ivan Kulika
- Physical Trainer: Dennis “Denol”Kizito
- Equipment Manager: Ddamba Noah Veron
- Team Media Officer: Joel Cornerious Kivumbi
- FUFA Tv Production: Julius Emmanuel Kakairi