Uganda U-17 forward James Bogere got off the mark in style as the Cubs stepped up preparations for next month’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scoring in a 1–2 friendly loss to KCCA FC at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, on Friday.
The game, played just two days after the team entered camp, offered head coach Brian Ssenyondo an early look at his side’s progress as they gear up for their historic World Cup debut.
Bogere coolly converted from the penalty spot to score Uganda’s only goal of the afternoon.
KCCA’s Umar Lutalo and Saidi Mayanja were on target for the Premier League side, whose experience and pace tested the young Cubs throughout the contest.
Despite the defeat, Uganda’s performance showed plenty of promise.
The Cubs matched KCCA for long spells and displayed growing confidence, signs that their preparations are on the right track.
With less than a month to go before they face the world’s best, the technical team plans more friendlies to build cohesion and sharpen the squad’s intensity.
Uganda will make its first-ever appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, competing in Group K alongside France, Chile, and Canada, a tough but exciting challenge for the young Cranes.
