Over the recent past, Senegal and Morocco have become reference points for the rest of Africa as many admire their football distinction.
You could argue that the pair are the two dominant national teams of the past five years. Their teams have performed well across most of the competitions.
They have also cracked the code in youth competitions. Morocco won the 2023 under-23 and 2025 under 17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegalese under-20 and under-17 teams won their respective age groups at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
More importantly, both countries are regulars at all continental and global tournaments in senior and age group classifications. Most of that recent success is down to investment.
The pair surely provide the blueprint for countries like Uganda that aspire to reach the top. The national U17 team, the Cubs, will, get a close look at Senegal’s secrets on Saturday at the Fifa U17 World Cup.
The Cubs clash with the Young Lions of Teranga in a round of 32 hoping to make a mark on their debut in Doha, Qatar.
That this is only Senegal’s third appearance at the U17 World Cup shows that they may not be too far ahead of Uganda.
However, on their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2023, they reached the round of 16 in what were 24-team tournaments in Brazil and Indonesia respectively.
Doubled
The teams were doubled for the ongoing edition with the Cubs finishing third in group K on four points, a tally managed by all four teams – France, Canada and Chile.
The 1-0 victory over 2001 champions France, thanks to striker James Bogere’s goal, will forever be imprinted on this edition with coach Brian Ssenyondo now facing a side that finished top of group C.
While there are 10 African countries in the Gulf, only Senegal topped their group. The way the group stage opponents have complimented Uganda should be a warning sign for the West Africans.
‘We were under pressure from start to finish’, said French head coach Lionel Rouxel. After narrowly overcoming the African side, Canadian manager Mike Vitulano also praised Uganda’s performances: ‘They have been incredible. It was an honour to play them.’
After losing to Canada in the final moments of their group stage clash and having been held to a 1-1 draw against Chile, Uganda secured their first victory at the World Cup on Tuesday against Les Bleuets.
The triumph also marked their first victory at any FIFA competition. After all, this is a country that had never previously appeared at a World Cup, at any level or in any category.
Emotions
‘Football is all about emotions,’ the striker Bogere, who has scored five goals in seven appearances, said with a smile.
‘I was really disappointed after the defeat to Canada in the final minutes. But football gives you other opportunities, and I’m delighted with this goal (against France), this (player of the match) trophy and for qualifying!”
The progress marks a monumental achievement for Uganda’s U17 program, highlighting the progress and potential of the nation’s youth football – beating Senegal would be the cherry on top.
2025 Fifa U17 World Cup
Saturday at 3.30pm
Senegal vs. Uganda