Uganda Cubs have made a false start in Group K of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 on-going at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha, Qatar.

James Bogere gave the Cubs the lead after 25 minutes, but the team from the CECAFA Zone failed to manage the second half well conceding two goals and suffering a 2-1 defeat.

 The Uganda Cubs dominated play in the first half and missed several scoring opportunities in-front of goal.

With just a few minutes to full time Canada leveled matters with Elijah Roche scoring after 88 minutes. Roche who had earlier made a goal-saving tackle rose high to head home Aghilas Sadek’s corner past Uganda’s goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige.

In the eighth minute of added time substitute Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty to earn Canada maximum points. Uganda’s John Asiimwe was judged to have taken Aiyenero down in the penalty box.

Brian Ssenyondo, the Uganda Cubs coach said that the boys had played well, but failed to take their chances at goal. “We need to remain focused ahead of the two remaining group matches,” added Ssenyondo.

France who beat Chile 2-0 in one of the matches played on Wednesday lead Group K, while Canada are second and Uganda third.

The Uganda Cubs will next face Chile on November 8th, and play the last Group match against France three days later.

Uganda has named their final squad ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025.

A record 48 teams will tussle it out in the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for November 3-27th in Qatar.

The Uganda Cubs will be the only nation from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Zone that will feature in the competition.

“We have been preparing for sometime now and I believe the players we have can perform well at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Playing at the World Cup is another good platform for the players to do their best and be able to be identified by scouts from around the world,” says Uganda Cubs coach Brian Ssenyondo.

The coach explained that the three International matches they have played against Venezuela, Panama and Paraguay in Dubai has helped them get better.

“We gained lots of exposure in the friendly matches because the teams are also from a different continent and with a different style of play,” added Ssenyondo.

Uganda Cubs are placed in Group K together with Chile, Canada and France.

“Every match we shall play in Qatar will be like a Cup final and we must treat it with high regard. We need to put in a lot of effort because it will be our first time to appear in a World Cup and we must treat it with a lot of seriousness,” explained the Ugandan coach.

Squad

Adrian Mukwanga, Edrisa Waibi, Gilbert Mazige, Mukisa Jovan Nsereko, Hamza Sengooba, Steven Oyirwoth, Elvis Torach, Derick Ssozi, Abubakali Walusimbi, James Bogere, Isima Magala Mulala, John Asiimwe, Muweagaba Kamurungi, John Brian Owino, James Bogere, Richard Okello, Simon Wanyama, Shakur Magogo, Arafat Nkoola, Enock Bagenda, Waibi Edrisah.