Doha, Qatar: Uganda’s U17 national team, the Cubs, will face Burkina Faso on Tuesday, November 18, in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U17 World Cup at Aspire Zone; but they will do so without one of their most influential players, forward James Bogere, who is suspended.
Uganda progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after collecting four hard-earned points in Group K, a pool many analysts had labelled one of the toughest. The Cubs showed resilience, fight and tactical maturity to reach the knockout stage for the first time in history.
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, finished second in Group I with six points and head into the tie as one of the tournament’s early dark horses.
However, Uganda’s preparations have been hit by the suspension of Bogere, who picked up yellow cards against France and in the Round of 32 victory over Senegal. Tournament rules automatically rule him out of Tuesday’s match.
Bogere has been one of the standout performers for Uganda, featuring in every game and scoring two crucial goals that helped push the team beyond the group stage. His pressing, pace and goal instincts have been central to the Cubs’ attack, creating a big tactical gap the coaches must now fill.
With Bogere unavailable, the team’s frontline will require reshuffling. Other forwards will need to assume greater responsibility, while the midfield must sharpen its creativity to compensate for the absence of a forward who often turned half-chances into goals.
Burkina Faso is known for its physicality and disciplined defensive shape, meaning Uganda will need to match intensity, discipline and teamwork — qualities that have defined the Cubs’ thrilling run so far. Although Bogere will be watching from the stands, his influence on the squad remains strong.
CECAFA Team in Ethiopia Prepares for Sudan Test
A second Uganda Cubs side currently competing in the TotalEnergies U17 CECAFA Regional Qualifiers in Ethiopia will also be in action on Tuesday, November 18, when they face Sudan in their second Group B match.
Uganda heads into the game full of confidence after a commanding 4–0 win over Burundi, with captain Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy) and Thomas Ogema (KCCA) scoring two goals apiece in the first half.
Sudan, who lost 6–0 to Tanzania, are under pressure, but Uganda knows the importance of scoring many goals to keep pace in a group where goal difference will matter.
Tanzania leads Group B on six goals, Uganda follows with four, and Burundi and Sudan are yet to register points. Djibouti is yet to play.
Uganda are defending champions after beating Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final. With Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan and Burundi all in the mix, every goal and every point will weigh heavily in the title chase.
FUFA clarified that the CECAFA team and the FIFA U17 World Cup squad are two different teams.
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