Uganda’s U17 Boys National Team has extended its remarkable fairy-tale run at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, dispatching Senegal 1–0 in a gritty round-of-32 clash on Saturday at Aspire Zone, Pitch 7 in Qatar.
A single moment of brilliance from midfielder Abubakali Walusimbi proved the difference, as the youngster hammered home a stunning effort from outside the box in the 15th minute.
Midfielder Brian Ijara initiated the move by winning the ball in the middle of the park before releasing Hamuza Ssengooba, who in turn set up Walusimbi to bury the match-winner in the bottom corner.
The Cubs entered the contest buzzing with confidence after their historic triumph over France in the group stages, and their bright start reflected that momentum.
Coach Brian Ssenyondo kept faith in the same front trio of Arafat Nkoola, Richard Okello, and James Bogere, who once again offered energy and purpose in attack.
From the moment Uganda took the lead, Senegal launched wave after wave of pressure, but goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi rose to the occasion with a heroic performance. The shot-stopper produced a string of crucial interventions, ultimately earning a deserved Man of the Match accolade.
The second half brought a setback for Uganda when skipper Ssengooba was withdrawn after suffering a head knock in an aerial challenge.
The Young Lions of Teranga were twice denied by VAR, first when a potential penalty was overturned, and later when a last-minute equaliser was canceled out for offside, sparking wild celebrations from the Ugandan contingent.
With another giant felled, the spirited Cubs march into the round of 16, where they will face the winner between Germany and Burkina Faso.
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