Uganda’s historic debut at the Fifa U17 World Cup ended in heartbreak as technology took centre stage, with the Video Support System influencing decisive moments in a 2-1 loss to Canada in Qatar.
The Cubs looked poised for a dream debut when James Bogere fired them ahead in the 25th minute, finishing off a flowing move down the right to score Uganda’s first-ever goal at the global youth showpiece.
Uganda’s vibrant start unsettled the Canadians, who struggled to deal with the pace and pressing led by Isima Magala Mulala, the team’s standout performer before being substituted in the second half.
His trickery and movement gave Uganda a dangerous edge going forward, while Hamza Sengooba dictated play in midfield and Jovan ‘Kazungu’ Mukisa anchored the defence with maturity.
The turning point came midway through the second half when Uganda called for a video review after Bogere went down in a tangle with Canada captain Richard Chukwu inside the box. Ukrainian referee Oleksii Derevinskyi reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor but ruled that there was no foul, to the dismay of Uganda’s technical bench.
Under the tournament’s Video Support System, coaches are allowed two review requests per game, retaining them only if the referee changes the original decision.
Canada made the most of the system in stoppage time. After Elijah Roche had levelled in the 88th minute with a powerful header, another VSS intervention confirmed a foul by James Asiimwe deep in added time. Derevinskyi pointed to the spot, and Marius Aiyenero kept his cool to convert in the 98th minute, sealing a stunning comeback victory.
Cubs coach Brian Ssenyondo admitted that while technology is part of the modern game, the decisions were difficult to accept.
“Technology is here to make football fairer, and we respect that. But it hurts when those moments go against you. The boys played bravely, and we’ll take the positives into the next match,’ Ssenyondo said.
How the Video Support System works
Coaches can make up to two video review requests per match.
If the review overturns the referee’s decision, the team keeps its request.
It works on goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
Fifa U17 World Cup – Group Stage
Canada 2-1 Uganda
Goals: James Bogere (25)
Elijah Roche (88)
Marius Aiyenero (98)