Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, face a defining moment this Saturday as they take on Gambia at El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco.
The playoff match presents Uganda with a golden opportunity to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in history.
Both sides missed out on automatic qualification through the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages, setting up this do-or-die playoff.
For Gambia, a return to the global stage would mark their third World Cup appearance, following outings in 2005 and 2009.
Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo has rallied his squad to adopt a more aggressive, committed approach after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Zambia.
“This tie means a lot toward our dream. We have to go in for battle. This is do or die,” he said.
Uganda’s main concerns lie in goal conversion and defensive lapses, but the technical team has worked to address these issues in training.
The young team will also need to counter Gambia’s physicality and set-piece threat, areas the Baby Scorpions have traditionally excelled in.
Beyond the tactics, Saturday’s clash is about legacy. Uganda had qualified for the canceled 2021 U-17 World Cup, and now they have another shot at turning promise into presence on football’s biggest youth stage.
In the other decisive playoff, Egypt takes on Angola for the final African slot at the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Am a team Viper but this was one of my best games i watched yesterday.
My team game from behind to level 2 goals with an amazing equaliser in the injury time by our Dangerous substitute Gusto Mulongo