Uganda Cubs came close to victory against Paraguay but fell 3-2 in a U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge Cup match at the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club on Tuesday evening.
James Bogere and Abubakali Walusimbi scored for Uganda, showcasing the team’s attacking promise.
Paraguay responded through Alan Ledesma’s penalty, Almada Derlis’ timely strike just before halftime, and De Carvalho Mauricio’s goal in the 71st minute to secure the win.
Bogere opened the scoring in the 24th minute, with Ledesma leveling from the spot in the 40th.
Almada restored Paraguay’s lead moments before halftime. Ten minutes into the second half, Walusimbi equalized, but De Carvalho’s strike ultimately decided the match.
This was Uganda’s second defeat in Dubai, following a 2-1 loss to Panama, where Simon Wanyama had given the Cubs an early lead.
After the match again Paraguay, Cubs Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo said;
“I want to thank the Federation for this initiative because I think it has given us a real picture of what we’re going to find in the World Cup” He said
Adding, “When you see the teams we’ve played, we have the same team in our group that come from the same area, CONCACAF, in Canada. So those are our two first fixtures.”
“So this means a lot. The good thing about these three games we’ve played here is that we have been scoring first and then we concede. So what we need to work on is how to defend.”
“But when you look at our problem, when we are in defensive transition, then transition to offensive, I think we kind of get lapses there. So we’ve tried to talk to the boys over the three games about it.”
“But I believe by the time we play Canada, we start the tournament, we shall have worked on it and the boys will be ready to solve that.”
“Sometimes you solve a problem and it’s gradual, it does not happen instantly. So maybe the fruits of that we can see in the tournament. But other things, I think we are doing them very well. So I’m certain by the time we start, everything will be very ok.”
They began the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Venezuela, again with Bogere on the scoresheet.
A historic journey
Despite the setbacks, the tournament is a key step in Uganda’s preparation for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance at any level, the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar, running from 3rd to 27th November.
Under Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo, the Cubs have built momentum through a Kisaasi training camp and a final practice match victory over Amus College School, where Bogere scored a hat-trick.
Dubai has offered exposure to international playing styles, tactical challenges, and the pressures of representing the nation abroad.
Squad and prospects
Uganda’s squad features talent across all positions, including goalkeepers Gilbert Mazige and Adrian Mukwanga, midfielders Brain Jjara and Walusimbi, and forwards Bogere and Wanyama.
In Qatar, Uganda is in Group K alongside Canada, Chile, and France, with matches on 5th, 8th, and 11th November respectively.
The group presents a stern challenge, particularly against Chille and European side France, but also invaluable learning opportunities.
Looking beyond results
Coach Ssenyondo remains optimistic, noting that Dubai has helped the squad bond, adapt to international conditions, and refine their mental and physical game.
“The boys have adapted well to the conditions as a group” before the first friendly game
While defensive lapses have cost them, the attacking spark remains.
Uganda’s U-17 World Cup journey was about more than results and qualification and reflected the growth of domestic youth structures, the talent nurtured through competitions like the FUFA Juniors League, and the dreams of young Ugandans now on the world stage.
At this point of time, the boys just got to move out there and enjoy themselves, market all they can offer and get exposed to what where they would want to be as individuals.
On 3rd November, the Uganda Cubs will make history in Qatar. Regardless of the scoreboard, their story is already a victory, inspiring generations to come.
Full contingent to Qatar
Goalkeepers
Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC JT), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC JT) and Edris Waibi (Buddo SS).
Defenders
Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC JT), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC JT), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC JT) and Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
Midfielders
Brain Jjara (KCCA FC JT), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC JT), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC JT), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC JT), Brian John Owino (Express FC JT), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC JT), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC JT) and Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC).
Forwards
Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC JT), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC JT) and Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC JT).
Officials
- Leader of Delegation: Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim
- Head Coach: Brian Ssenyondo
- FUFA Football Development Director/Team Manager: Bashir Mutyaba
- Assistant Coach: Ronald Ssali
- Fitness Coach: Massa Simoen
- Goalkeeping Coach: Magada Kenneth
- Team Doctors: Gumisiriza-Michael Kamu & Ivan Kulika
- Physical Trainer: Dennis Kizito
- Equipment Manager: Ddamba Noah Veron
- Team Media Officer: Joel Cornerious Kivumbi
