The stage is set with dreams on the line as Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Uganda Cubs’ path to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup now leads through Gambia.
As the group stages of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco came to a dramatic close, Uganda learnt that they will face The Gambia in a crucial playoff match scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025. This one-off showdown will determine which nation claims one of the final two African spots at this year’s U-17 World Cup.
Uganda Cubs, under the guidance of coach Brian Ssenyondo endured a tough group stage campaign. Drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Zambia and Tanzania.
Uganda managed a single win, a hard-fought victory over Tanzania. However, defeats to both Morocco and Zambia meant they finished third in the group, narrowly missing out on a direct quarterfinal qualification.
With Africa allocated ten spots for the 2025 U-17 World Cup, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) introduced a playoff system for the two best third-placed teams. Uganda and The Gambia, who finished third in their respective groups, were given a lifeline, final chance to book a historic ticket to the global showpiece.
The Gambia’s journey mirrored that of Uganda. Competing in Group C, they faced stiff competition from Senegal and Tunisia. A 2-1 defeat to Tunisia sealed their fate, pushing them to third place and out of the quarterfinals. Senegal and Tunisia advanced, also clinching World Cup spots in the process.
Now, for Gambia this will be a make-or-break encounter against Uganda.
With eight teams already qualified for the World Cup: Morocco, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, South Africa, Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, the pressure is immense. Only two places remain and four nations are left in the hunt.
The other playoff clash pits Angola against Egypt in what promises to be another tense affair.
