The Uganda U-17 nationwide soccer group, fondly often known as the Uganda Cubs, discover themselves getting ready to historical past however with one ultimate hurdle to clear.
Regardless of a valiant show of their final group stage match on the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the Cubs fell 2-1 to Zambia, lacking out on a direct ticket to the 2025 U-17 FIFA World Cup.
The excessive stakes conflict, held on the Ziaidi Sports activities Advanced, noticed the Cubs dominate massive spells of the sport, solely to be undone by a medical Zambian aspect.
Kelvin Chipelu capitalized on a defensive miscommunication within the first half handy Zambia the lead.
Uganda, understanding that solely a win would assure them a World Cup spot, rallied again by way of Elvis Torach’s well-taken equalizer simply 4 minutes into the second half.
The Cubs continued to press, dictating possession and creating probabilities, however Zambia held agency.
Drama ensued when Billy Daka missed a penalty within the 67th minute, however the younger ahead redeemed himself late within the recreation, scoring the winner with simply 4 minutes left on the clock.
That decisive aim secured Zambia’s spot within the AFCON U-17 quarterfinals, and with it, a ticket to the World Cup, alongside hosts Morocco.
For Uganda, the loss stung not only for the missed alternative, but in addition for the way through which they managed the sport. Nonetheless, all is just not misplaced.
The Cubs now have one ultimate shot at redemption: a playoff match in opposition to the third-placed group from Group C—which incorporates Tunisia, Senegal, The Gambia, and Somalia.
That every one necessary match is about for April 12, 2025 and it represents a second likelihood for Uganda to put in writing a brand new chapter in its footballing story.
