Ugandan player vies for the ball with a Canadian. Courtesy photo

U17 FIFA World Cup Qatar
November 3-27
Wednesday Result 
Canada 2 Uganda 1
Saturday, 3:30pm
Uganda v Chile
Tuesday 3:30pm
Uganda v France

James Bogere etched his name in Ugandan football history after scoring the country’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup finals, despite the Uganda Cubs suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Canada in their U17 World Cup debut on Wednesday at Aspire Zone Complex in Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar.

The Masaka Sunshine forward produced a moment of brilliance in the 25th minute. After receiving a precise pass from KCCA FC midfielder Brian Jjara, Bogere controlled the ball beautifully with his right foot, cut inside, wrong-footed the Canadian goalkeeper, and calmly slotted home off the right post to send Ugandan fans in the stands and millions watching back home into wild celebration.

Uganda defended resolutely for most of the second half, frustrating the Canadians who pushed for an equaliser.

The Cubs looked set for a famous victory until Elijah Roche struck in the 88th minute to level the score. With seven minutes of stoppage time added, Ugandans hearts were broken in the 98th minute when Marius Aiyenero converted a late penalty, sealing a comeback win for Canada.

It was a painful result for the young Cubs, who had shown impressive discipline and courage throughout the match. Their spirited performance, however, drew praise as they made history as the first Ugandan national football team ever to compete at any World Cup finals.

Uganda, placed in Group K alongside France, Chile, and Canada, will next face France on Saturday. The French side began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Chile.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 32 in this expanded 48-team tournament and Uganda will be eager to keep their qualification hopes alive with a strong response against France.