Uganda Cubs’ fairytale run at the 2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup will leave an imprint on the current and future generations of Ugandan footballers.
Their journey ended in heartbreaking fashion on Monday night after a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso was followed by a 5-3 loss in the penalty shootout.
Arafat Nkoola, stepping into the big boots of suspended star striker James Bogere, put Uganda ahead in the 57th minute.
But the late-game concentration lapses that troubled the team during pre-tournament friendlies and the opener against Canada resurfaced, allowing Burkina Faso to equalize inside the final quarter-hour and force penalties.
Derrick Ssozi struck the woodwork, handing Burkina Faso a ticket to the quarterfinals, where they will face Italy.
But Uganda leaves Qatar with memories that transcend the pain. A memorable 1-0 win over 2001 champions France and another against African giants Senegal on their way to the Round of 16 was nothing short of extraordinary.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo, who has set multiple records during this campaign, exits the stage with his head high as he returns to future projects and his role at KCCA.
‘Much as we are hurt, we are proud that we represented ourselves very well and have picked a huge experience,’ Ssenyondo said in his final post-match interview. ‘We go with our heads high and believe our experience will inspire other boys who dream to play at the World Cup.’
Inspired
And that inspiration has already taken root. The next generation of Uganda Cubs announced themselves emphatically at the Cecafa qualifiers for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup in Ethiopia, routing Sudan 9-0 in their second Group B match. This followed a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in their opening game.
Under the guidance of Ghanaian tactician Layrea Kingston and assistants Saddam Juma and Steven Bengo, Uganda produced a dazzling attacking display with eight different players on the scoresheet.
Captain Owen Mukisa led from the front with quick-fire goals in the 10th and 12th minutes, taking his tally to four for the tournament.
Familiar faces Thomas Ogema who featured at the Afcon in Morocco, left back Eze Kombi, and substitutes Arnold Kayemba, Brian Olwa, and Travor Mubiru all registered their names, while central defender Enock Mwesigwa completed the goal fest.
Uganda will now battle Tanzania on Friday in the final group match to determine who finishes top of Group B.
2026 FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP/AFCON, Cecafa qualifiers
Results
Burundi 0-4 Uganda
Sudan 0-9 Uganda
Friday fixture
Uganda vs. Tanzania, 8pm