Uganda’s historic FIFA U-17 World Cup debut ended in heartbreak as the Cubs fell 2-1 to Canada on Wednesday evening in Doha.
It had started with hope. In the 25th minute, forward James Bogere showed composure beyond his years, racing onto a through ball from Brain Jjara and calmly slotting past the Canadian goalkeeper.
His celebration said it all, joy, belief, and the feeling that Uganda was ready to announce itself on the world stage.
But football can be cruel. Despite Uganda’s brave defending, Canada struck late.
With two minutes to play, Elijah Rocho leveled after relentless pressure, and deep into stoppage time, Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty to complete the turnaround.
The final whistle left the Ugandan bench in stunned silence.
For the Cubs, Uganda’s first-ever team to play at a FIFA global tournament, it was a painful reminder of how fine the margins are at this level.
The defeat leaves them bottom of Group K, in a pool that also includes Chile and France.
