FIFA U-17 World Cup: Uganda Cubs Cruise Into Round of 16 After Stunning Senegal

Uganda have made yet another piece of history, advancing to the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a stunning and disciplined 1-0 victory over tournament favorites Senegal at the Aspire Zone Pitch 7 in Rayyan, Doha.

The Cubs, already celebrated for their maiden World Cup appearance and a historic group-stage win over France, entered the match as underdogs against a free-scoring Senegalese side. 

However, it was the East Africans who struck first. In the 13th minute, midfielder Abubakali Walusimbi found himself in space after a swift Ugandan counter-attack and fired a low, precise shot past Senegal’s goalkeeper, Vincent Gomis, to put the Cubs in the lead.

Senegal immediately sought an equalizer, leveraging the pace of star forward Bakary Sonko and the creativity of playmaker Alwaly Camara. 

But Uganda’s backline, marshalled by captain Hamuza Sengooba and Steven Oyirwoth, held firm, closing down spaces and frustrating their opponents. Goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi, fresh off his heroics against France, was a composed presence, confidently handling several long-range efforts before halftime.

Senegal emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, pinning Uganda back in their own half. The Cubs' defense, however, was resolute, absorbing wave after wave of pressure. Uganda was not without its own threats; in the 60th minute, Richard Okello tested Gomis with a solid effort, but the Senegalese keeper gathered it easily.

The match's most dramatic moment arrived in the 68th minute when Senegal’s attackers tumbled in the box, leading to frantic appeals for a penalty. The stadium held its breath as the referee consulted his team, but the decision stood: no penalty. The call visibly frustrated the Senegalese side and further emboldened the Ugandan defence.

In  the final 20 minutes, Uganda put on a masterclass in defensive discipline. Elvis Torach and Jovan Mukisa were immense, winning crucial tackles and clearing their lines. James Bogere, though unable to add to his goal tally, worked tirelessly up front, holding up the ball to give his defenders a much-needed reprieve.

Uganda Starting XI: Edriseh Waibi, Jovan Mukisa, Steven Oyirwoth, Arafat Nkoola, Hamuza Sengooba, Brain Jjara, Abubakali Walusimbi, Isima Magala Mulala, Richard Okello, Elvis Torach, James Bogere

Substitutes: Adrian Mukwanga, Gilbert Mazige, Derrick Ssozi, Kamurungi Nuwagaba, Shakur Magogo, John Owino Brian, John Asiimwe, Enock Bagenda, Abdu Ntege Lukenge

Senegal Starting XI: Vincent Gomis, Lamine Mbengue, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Malick Cisse, Hyppolite Ndour, Ousseynou Ndiaye, Mouhamed Dabo, Alwaly Camara, V. Etienne Mendy, Etienne Mendy, Bakary Sonko

Substitutes: Birame Faye, Assane Sarr, Cheikh Dieng, Abdoulaye Ndoye, Mame Mor Sow, Mouhamed Sy, Mallick Lo, Moussa Cisse, Moussa Samba, Babacar Bousso