Uganda and Burkina Faso produced the standout results of the round of 32, as the World Cup first-timers got past Senegal, before Oscar Barro’s side downed reigning champions Germany to secure spots in the Fifa U-17 World Cup last 16.
England, Italy and Japan joined the African duo with comfortable wins, while Korea DPR edged out Venezuela and Uzbekistan beat Croatia on penalties.
Uganda continued to defy the odds at their debut Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Senegal.
The Cubs netted with their first effort of note, as Abubakali Walusimbi rifled home the first goal their opponents have conceded this tournament from outside the area.
The Young Lions of Teranga pushed for a leveller and forced Edrisah Waibi into a number of impressive saves, most notably from a sweetly struck Mignane Ndour half-volley.
Senegal had a penalty overturned and a goal ruled out for offside as the Cranes held firm to book their last-16 spot.
Uganda will face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 tomorrow in an all-African affair. The West Africans dethroned champions Germany 1-0 in the later game.
Stunning
‘Not many people can beat the reigning champions,’ Burkina Faso captain Cherif Barro told FifaTV following his team’s stunning result over Germany.
The Burkina Faso coach, Oscar Barro, added: “We knew we were up against a tough team; they are the reigning champions. They have skill and individual talent in abundance. We respect whoever we’re up against, but we don’t fear anyone.’
They will relishing tomorrow’s game. ‘We’ll start working tomorrow (Sunday) to figure out how to go into this match, so we’re not caught off guard and can continue our fine form,’ he said.
“Uganda have made it to the Round of 16, which shows what a quality side they are, so we need to prepare accordingly. We played them in a friendly match, but every team has changed their style and appearance since then.”
He is right to be wary of the Cranes, who have had a sensational run in their first World Cup appearance. After losing to Canada in their opening match, they held Chile to a draw and went on to beat France 1-0 to clinch a knockout-stage spot.
They then tamed the Senegalese in the last 32 – and are setting their sights even higher.
‘First, I am very happy that we beat a tough side like Senegal. But I must credit our goalkeeper who kept us in the game because he was very outstanding. The other players also kept to the instructions,’ said head Coach Brian Ssenyondo.
He made it clear that they will not get too excited, we will only enjoy the moment, and later focus on the next game.
Big goal
Ugandan goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi, who was awarded Player of the Match against Senegal, said ‘Our goal now is to go as far as possible in the competition.’
“It’s massive. It was a good game, we played well. The game wasn’t easy because of the physicality. But we were strong as you saw in this game. It was great for my team as we’re in the round of 16 and for me, with the Player of the match award.”
The game’s only goal scorer, Abubakali Walusimbi, added: ‘We have to believe that we can win the World Cup. It’s our first time participating, so we’re newbies, but we’ve got what it takes.’
It was all celebration after the final whistle after the Ugandan team ejected the African U-17 champions.
That result could be at par with the last Group K match against 2001 champions France which Uganda won to get through.