Doha, Qatar: Uganda’s national U17 team, the Cubs, will lock horns with Senegal in the Round of 32 at the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, marking another historic step in their maiden appearance at the global tournament.
The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, at Aspire Zone Pitch 7 in Doha, with kick-off at 3:30 pm (local time). The Cubs advanced after finishing among the best third-placed teams in the group stages, a milestone achievement for Ugandan youth football.
Led by coach Brian Ssenyondo, the young Ugandan side has defied expectations in its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, earning praise for their energy, teamwork, and tactical maturity.
Uganda sealed their knockout place after a 2–1 victory over Uzbekistan and a crucial draw against Ecuador, collecting four points in the group stage. The team’s fighting spirit has drawn admiration from fans back home and across Africa.
“We are proud to reach this stage in our debut World Cup. Facing Senegal is a big challenge, but also an opportunity to show how far Uganda’s football has come,” coach Ssenyondo said ahead of the clash.
Senegal’s Defensive Wall Awaits
Senegal, the reigning U17 AFCON champions, head into the fixture as one of the tournament’s most in-form sides. They topped their group without conceding a goal, showcasing the kind of defensive organization and pace that make them one of Africa’s toughest youth sides.
The West Africans boast exciting talents such as Amadou Diarra and Ousmane Faye, who have been instrumental in their unbeaten run so far.
But Uganda’s dynamic forwards, including Isima Magala and James Bogere, have proven they can unlock even the tightest defenses, making the tie one of the most anticipated all-African duels of the round.
Milestone for Ugandan Football
This marks Uganda’s first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup tournament at any level, a moment widely celebrated as a breakthrough for the country’s youth football development.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has hailed the Cubs’ progress as proof that Uganda’s youth investment is beginning to pay off. “The Cubs’ performance has raised Uganda’s football profile globally. It’s a statement that with consistency, our future is bright,” FUFA President Moses Magogo noted.
The winner of the Uganda–Senegal tie will advance to the Round of 16, potentially facing the winner between Germany and Burkina Faso, depending on bracket outcomes.
Regardless of the result, Uganda’s campaign has already captured national pride and reignited hope in the potential of homegrown football talent.
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