Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, wrapped up their Dubai Youth Challenge Cup campaign with a spirited showing that underlined both their potential and areas for refinement ahead of their historic FIFA U-17 World Cup debut in Qatar next month.
Despite a 3-2 defeat to South American opponents Paraguay on Tuesday evening, the Cubs once again demonstrated competitiveness, confidence, and attacking flair against elite opposition at the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club.
Brian Ssenyondo’s charges twice took the lead through James Bogere and Abubakali Walusimbi, only to be undone by Paraguay’s second-half resilience. It followed earlier performances that saw Uganda draw 1–1 with Venezuela and narrowly lose 2–1 to Panama, contests in which the East Africans consistently proved they could create and convert chances against quality sides.
Across their three matches, Uganda scored in every outing, Bogere emerging as a consistent goal threat, while Walusimbi and Simon Wanyama also found the net. That attacking productivity is a huge positive as the Cubs prepare to test themselves on the global stage for the first time.
However, Ssenyondo’s technical team will be equally aware of the need to tighten defensive organization, particularly in set-piece situations and moments of transition that have cost the side crucial goals. Both Panama and Paraguay capitalized on lapses in concentration, underlining an area that must be addressed before Qatar.
Overall, the Dubai tour has provided invaluable exposure to diverse playing styles from South and Central America, as well as European-based youth systems, an experience that few Ugandan teams have enjoyed at this level.
With evident progress in confidence, teamwork, and goal-scoring ability, the Cubs head into their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with renewed belief. Drawn in Group K alongside Canada, Chile, and France, Uganda will look to build on the lessons learned in Dubai as they prepare to fly the nation’s flag proudly on the world stage.
