2026 CAF Africa Cup Of Nations | Group B | Morocco | Tuesday May 19
- Uganda 2-2 Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
Uganda’s hopes of reaching the FIFA U-17 World Cup are still alive after the Cubs fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Côte d’Ivoire at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a tense Group B match played on Tuesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Uganda showed character and belief to rescue a point that secured a World Cup qualification play-off place.
Côte d’Ivoire took the lead in the 25th minute through Koudougnon Drebo after VAR confirmed the goal.
But the Cubs responded strongly. Henry Muhoozi brought Uganda level four minutes before halftime with a superb free-kick that gave the East Africans fresh belief.
The Ivorians regained the lead in the 79th minute when Souleyman Kone scored in a move that was also cleared by VAR after an offside check.
Uganda refused to give up, with defeat looming, the Cubs pushed forward and won a late penalty deep into stoppage time.
Arafat Ibanda calmly converted from the spot, with VAR confirming the goal as Uganda earned a deserved draw.
The result saw Côte d’Ivoire finish top of Group B with seven points, while Uganda progressed to a FIFA World Cup qualification play-off.
Uganda opened the tournament with a 3-0 win over DR Congo before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
After the match, the technical team praised the players for their determination against one of the continent’s strongest sides.
“It was a tough game,” a team official said.
“They blocked spaces well in the first half, but the boys fought hard and showed they can compete against any team.”
Uganda will now focus on the play-off match, with victory set to secure a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
