Doha, Qatar: Uganda’s U17 national team, the Cubs, saw their fairy tale run at the FIFA U17 World Cup come to an end on Tuesday after a tense 5–3 penalty shootout defeat to Burkina Faso, ending a campaign that delivered both history and heart for the country’s youth football.
Playing their first-ever World Cup appearance, Uganda arrived at the Aspire Zone’s Pitch 5 with belief and momentum, buoyed by their stunning elimination of Senegal in the Round of 32, but the same was to Burkina Faso, who also came equally charged after knocking out defending champions Germany.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo was forced to tweak his setup after lethal forward James Bogere was ruled out due to accumulated yellow cards, and in his place came Enock Bagenda, while the rest of the starting XI remained unchanged from the Senegal victory.
Despite the setback, the Cubs remained composed, disciplined, and purposeful from the start, and after a balanced and tactical first half, Uganda broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Arafat Nkoola—one of the standout performers of the tournament—produced a sublime curling finish after being teed up by Ronald Walusimbi.
The goal electrified the Ugandan fans in Doha and further lifted the team’s intensity.
The Young Stallions, however, capitalised on a moment of defensive lapse from the East Africans, levelling through substitute Alassana Bagayogo, who controlled the ball on his chest before calmly slotting past goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi.
With the game sent to the shootout for a decider, Burkina Faso turned out flawless, converting all five of their penalties, while Uganda matched stride until Derrick Ssozi, who had been brought on moments earlier, hit the crossbar, handing Burkina Faso the victory.
The 5–3 shootout defeat brings Uganda’s historic debut campaign to an end, but with heads held high.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Italy, who edged Uzbekistan 3–2 in the earlier tie.
Despite the exit, the Cubs’ World Cup run, marked by spirited performances, tactical maturity and fearless football, has won international admiration. Uganda’s youth system, long overshadowed on the global stage, has now announced itself with authority.
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