U-17 AFCON: Ssenyondo vows to finish the job as Uganda Cubs eye final World Cup spot

Photo by FUFA media.

Uganda U17 Men’s National Football Team, the Uganda Cubs, are preparing for their final shot at qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup as they take on The Gambia in a high-stakes playoff clash.

The tie, scheduled for Saturday, 12th April, was confirmed on Monday following the conclusion of the group stages at the ongoing U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Both Uganda and The Gambia finished third in their respective groups and now have a final lifeline in the form of a playoff.

The Gambia were edged 2-1 by Tunisia in their last group match, a result that saw the North African nation progress alongside Senegal from Group C. Uganda, meanwhile, finished third in their group as well, managing one win against Tanzania but falling short in their other matches against hosts Morocco and Zambia.

With Africa granted ten spots at the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, all eight quarterfinalists at the ongoing AFCON automatically secured qualification. The remaining two slots will be filled through playoffs involving the four third-placed teams from each group. Uganda will face The Gambia, while Egypt will battle Angola in the other playoff.

Uganda Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo remains hopeful and fired up for the decisive showdown. “We are playing Gambia, tough team it is,” Ssenyondo said. “We had a chance to watch them play against Tunisia after we had concluded our group stage games with Zambia.

"Two good teams fighting for this last chance. We shall give our best to see that we win that game so that we qualify for the World Cup, which has been our mission, and that is what we have to do come Saturday. I can say we shall do it.”

The Uganda Cubs will now shift their full focus to preparation, knowing a win on Saturday will complete their long-standing mission of returning to the FIFA U17 World Cup.