Rabat, Morocco: Uganda’s U17 national football team, the Cubs, are on the brink of making history as they lead The Gambia 2-1 at halftime in a crucial FIFA U17 World Cup qualification playoff currently underway in Rabat, Morocco.
A brilliant first-half brace from forward James Bogere (13’, 33’) turned the game around for Uganda after Gambia’s Ahmed Njundu Kanyi had given the Baby Scorpions an early lead in the 1st minute.
The tightly contested tie currently underway at Stade El Abdi in El Jadida will determine Africa’s final representative at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup set for November in Qatar.
Uganda, who have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup tournament at any level, are now just 45 minutes away from sealing their maiden appearance on the global stage, with the second half now on as both sides eye the lone qualification spot.
This playoff was set after CAF received an additional slot for the World Cup, leading to a special fixture between the two losing quarterfinalists from the 2023 U17 AFCON Uganda and Gambia.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s side has shown resilience and attacking flair, with Bogere’s clinical finishing proving vital in the first half where Uganda boasted a flurry of chances whilst keeping The Gambia out of their box.
Should Uganda hold on or extend their lead, the final whistle will mark a historic moment not only for the Cubs but also for Ugandan football as a whole.
More updates to follow after fulltime.
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