Uganda’s U17 national team will face their biggest test yet when they take on France in their final FIFA U17 World Cup group match in Qatar, needing a big win to keep their knockout hopes alive.
After a 1-1 draw with Chile and a narrow 2-1 loss to Canada, the Cubs sit third in Group K with one point.
To progress automatically, they must beat France by at least four goals or rely on results elsewhere to advance among the best third-placed teams.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo said the team is fully aware of the stakes. “Tomorrow is a must-win. You win, you stay; you lose, you go home. We have to risk everything,” he said after their final training session at Al Thumama Stadium.
He praised his players’ resilience following Derrick Ssozi’s late equalizer against Chile, which kept Uganda’s campaign alive.
“France is a big team, but we are a big team too. The pressure is there, but it drives us. We know what’s at stake, and I believe we’ll get the result we need,” Ssenyondo added.
Midfielder Jovan Mukisa, who has featured in both of Uganda’s matches, believes the team has grown stronger with every game.
“The experience from playing Canada and Chile has prepared us. France might be different, but we can still compete and put up a strong fight,” he said.
France lead Group K with four points, the same as Canada, while Uganda and Chile each have one.
The Cubs will need precision and composure when they step onto the Aspire Zone Pitch 3 for Tuesday’s 3:30 pm kickoff.
