Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained positive despite his side’s 2–1 loss to Panama in the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup on Sunday, calling the performance “gallant” and full of promise ahead of their next test against Paraguay.
At the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club, the Uganda Cubs started brightly when Simon Wanyama volleyed home a fine opener in the 13th minute.
Panama responded seven minutes later through Gordon Gerson’s penalty, before Richards Moises sealed victory in the 58th minute.
The match was Uganda’s second friendly in Dubai, following a 1–1 draw with Venezuela earlier in the week, as part of their build-up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite the defeat, Ssenyondo was full of praise for his players’ effort and attitude.
“We gave a gallant fight against Panama. Over the 90 minutes, we were the better team and unlucky to concede a sloppy penalty. We hit the crossbar several times and have ourselves to blame,” Ssenyondo said.
“The next game on Tuesday, we shall seek the three points.”
The Cubs will wrap up their Dubai tour on Tuesday, October 28, with a final friendly against Paraguay before turning focus to the World Cup, set for November 3–27, 2025, in Qatar.
Uganda, drawn in Group K, will face Canada, Chile, and France at the global showpiece.
The Dubai tour has offered Ssenyondo and his technical team;Ronald Ssali (assistant coach), Kenneth Magada (goalkeeping coach), and Simoen Massa (fitness trainer),a valuable chance to assess the full 25-man squad, including standouts like Wanyama, Marvin Kabiito, and Akiz Job Aguma of Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Full Uganda Cubs squad in Dubai
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
Brian Ijara (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).
