2025 FIFA U17 World Cup | Round of 32
- Senegal 0-1 Uganda
Uganda’s fairytale run at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup continued on Saturday as the Cubs edged Senegal 1–0 in a tense Round of 32 battle at Aspire Zone, Pitch 7 in Qatar.
Fresh off their historic win over France, the young Ugandans entered the knockout tie full of belief.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo stuck with the same lineup that stunned the Europeans, trusting Arafat Nkoola, Richard Okello, and James Bogere to lead the attack.
His faith paid off early. In the 15th minute, Uganda pressed high and midfielder Brian Ijara won a key ball in midfield.
He fed captain Hamuza Ssengooba, who slipped it to Abubakali Walusimbi. From just outside the box, Walusimbi drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner, the moment that settled the match.
From there, it became a test of character. Senegal’s Young Lions piled on the pressure, but goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi delivered a heroic performance.
He made several crucial saves and commanded his area with remarkable calm. By full-time, his Man of the Match award felt inevitable.
Uganda suffered a blow early in the second half when Ssengooba left the pitch after a head collision, but the team dug deep to protect their lead.
Senegal thought they had a lifeline when Bacary went down in the box, but the penalty was overturned after review.
Minutes later, they scored, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The Cubs held firm, adding another remarkable chapter to their underdog story.
After the match, Coach Ssenyondo praised his team’s fight.
“We are very happy to reach the Round of 16,” he said.
“Waibi kept us in the game right after we scored, that’s what you want from your goalkeeper. But credit also goes to the rest of the players for sticking to the plan.”
Uganda now awaits the winner between Germany and Burkina Faso.
