Uganda Defeat France 1-0 To Qualify For FIFA U-17 World Cup Knock-Out Stage

By Our Reporter

Uganda Cubs have defeated former champions France 1-0 to qualify for the knock out stage at the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar.

Going into the last Group K match the CECAFA Zonal champions needed nothing less than a win against the more experienced French team.

After several earlier attempts, James Bogere finished off well after 18 minutes to give Uganda the lead at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha. He was picked well by skipper Hamuza Ssengoba.

Pierre Mounguengue had a chance level matters, but missed the target in another French attack after 31 minutes. Christ Batola missed another chance again for France five minutes later.

Later Richard Okello was denied after 40 minutes when the French goalkeeper blocked from close range for a corner.

After 68 minutes France’s Tidiane Diarrassouba attempted a left-footed shot from the right side of the box, but it went wide.

Uganda Cubs continued to defend well and deny the French team chance to create scoring opportunities.

It was all celebration for the Ugandan team after the final whistle that saw them re-write history by defeating the 2001 champions France. The France team went on to lead Group K and qualified for the next stage, while Canada who lost 2-1 to Chile in their last match also qualified for the knock out stage.

The best two teams from each of the 12 groups and the best eight third placed teams qualify for the knock out round of 32. Uganda started the campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Canada, and settled for a 1-1 draw against Chile in the second group match.

The other teams that have so far qualifies include; Portugal, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Zambia, Austria, USA, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Japan, Senegal, Croatia, South Africa, Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Morocco, Germany, Colombia, Tunisia and England.