Uganda Cubs coach Ssenyondo dreams of World Cup ahead of Gambia duel

Photo by FUFA Media.

Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo has declared Saturday's clash with The Gambia a do-or-die mission as the Cubs look to seize their last chance to secure a historic place at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“This is our last chance,” Ssenyondo passionately stated. “Gambia is a tough team, hard to beat. But the World Cup has always been our dream, so we have to fight for it.”

The all-important playoff match will be played at El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm EAT. Victory would see Uganda join the final ten teams to represent CAF at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Despite missing out on the AFCON U-17 quarterfinals, the Cubs earned a second chance via the playoff route. CAF will be represented by ten teams at the World Cup – the eight quarterfinalists have already secured their places, while the final two slots will be decided through playoffs.

Uganda finished third in their group and face fellow third-placed side The Gambia. Egypt will take on Angola in the second playoff. The Cubs are aiming to make history. While Gambia brings the experience of two past World Cup appearances (2005 and 2009), Uganda is still chasing its debut.

The Cubs had qualified for the 2020 edition, but the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ssenyondo remains upbeat, taking confidence from his team’s recent showing. “We’re confident,” he said.

“Despite the loss in our previous match, we played well. The performance was good, though we didn’t get the result we wanted.” His sentiments are echoed by midfielder Steven Oyirwoth, who says the entire squad understands the gravity of the moment. “We are going for a do-or-die game,” Oyirwoth said.

“There are no excuses, we must win! If we really want to achieve our World Cup dream, we have to fight for it. The boys are ready.” There is a slight injury concern surrounding forward James Bogere, who missed the last two training sessions. He will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability, though Ssenyondo is expected to stick with a familiar starting lineup.

For Uganda, this is more than just a match, it’s the final dance toward a long-held dream.

Uganda Cubs Probable XI vs Gambia: Adrian Mukwanga (GK), Richard Okello (C), Jovan Mukisa Nsereko, Hamuza Sengooba, Elvis Torach, Isima Magala, Steven Oyirwoth, Simon Wanyama, John Brian Owinyi, Ashraf Kyakuwa, James Bogere.