James Bogere continues to stake his claim as Uganda’s next big football star after a sensational performance that sealed the Cubs’ ticket to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
In a high-stakes knockout clash against The Gambia at the ongoing AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco, Uganda had a nightmare start—conceding just 60 seconds in through Ahmed Njuundu.
The early goal put pressure on the Cubs, but Bogere rose to the occasion in true number 9 fashion.
He struck the equaliser in the 13th minute with a composed finish before completing his brace in the 33rd minute to turn the tie around.
The game ended 2-1, with Bogere’s double securing Uganda’s spot at the U17 World Cup later this year in Qatar.
Bogere was deservedly named Man of the Match—his second such award in the tournament, underlining his class and importance to the team.
With this win, the Cubs become the second Ugandan national team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup after the Uganda Hippos (U20) did so in 2021.
Unfortunately, that tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19, denying Uganda its World Cup debut.
This time, fans will be hoping nothing stands in the way of history being made.
Bogere, a standout talent from Masaka Sunshine FC, has been directly involved in four goals at this year’s AFCON—scoring three and assisting one.
He also found the net in the 3-0 group-stage victory over Tanzania and set up Elvis Torach’s goal in the narrow 2-1 defeat to Zambia.
His form is no fluke. Back in December 2024, Bogere topped the scoring charts at the CECAFA U17 Championship in Kampala, bagging seven goals in just four matches.
That tournament doubled as the regional qualifier for AFCON.
Across his last eight appearances for Uganda, Bogere has now scored 10 goals—an incredible run that has scouts across Europe reportedly keeping tabs on the prolific striker.
With Uganda now on the road to Qatar, all eyes will remain on Bogere.
If he keeps this up, the future of Ugandan football looks very bright.
