Uganda Cubs fall to Zambia but can still qualify for World Cup via playoff

Casablanca, Morocco:– Uganda’s hopes of securing an automatic qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup hit a deadlock on Sunday night after falling to Zambia in a narrow 2-1 defeat in their final Group A fixture of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The highly anticipated clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca saw the Junior Chipolopolo edge past the Cubs, thanks to goals in either half from Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu and Billy Daka, which helped seal their place in the quarterfinals and earn a ticket to the World Cup after collecting seven points alongside hosts Morocco.

Uganda’s only goal came through Elvis Torach, who leveled matters in the 49th minute to give the Cubs a glimpse of getting back in the game. Torach, with a fine first touch from a precise James Bogere pass, slotted home past Zambia goalkeeper Simumba just moments after the restart to make it 1-1 with 40 more minutes to win the game.

The match started on a high note for Uganda, creating a flurry of chances early on but it was Zambia who struck first through Chipelu in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a brief lapse in the Cubs’ backline.

The Cubs came out firing after the break, and their pressure finally paid off when Elvis Torach leveled matters in the 49th minute, finishing off a well-worked move that momentarily reignited Uganda’s World Cup dream.

Zambia was then awarded a penalty in the 71st minute after Stephen Oyirwoth brought down Jonathan Kalimina in the box. But Uganda’s shot-stopper, Adrian Mukwanga, came to the rescue, diving brilliantly on his left to deny substitute Billy Daka and keep the Cubs in the game.

However, Daka would redeem himself in the 84th minute, scoring the winner off a deflected effort that left Mukwanga wrong-footed—sealing victory and progression for Zambia.

The defeat meant Uganda finished third in Group A with three points (from their lone win over Tanzania (3-0) and will now have to progress via a playoff match for a second chance at reaching the World Cup.

Cubs Rue Missed Chances

The match was a tale of near misses and squandered opportunities for Uganda, who dominated large spells of the game with over 30 shots at Zambia’s goal. However, the Cubs’ poor finishing inside the box and Zambia’s compact defensive setup proved costly.

Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo and his technical bench will now turn attention to the playoff route, with the Cubs set to face the third-placed team from Group C, which features Senegal, Tunisia, The Gambia, and Somalia.

The playoff match is scheduled for April 12, 2025, and will determine whether Uganda books its historic ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup set for November in Qatar.