Fixture: Uganda U17 vs Chile U17
Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
Venue: Aspire Zone – Pitch 8, Doha
Kick-off: 3:30 PM (Local) / 3:30 PM (EAT)
Uganda’s U-17 side, the Cubs, face a pivotal moment in their inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign when they meet Chile on Saturday at Aspire Zone Pitch 8. Kick-off is set for 3:30pm local (3:30pm EAT), and a victory would instantly put the East Africans back in the mix to qualify from a tricky group.
The Cubs wore their hearts on their sleeves in their tournament opener, narrowly losing 2–1 to Canada after a tense finish.
Despite the heartbreak, belief in the camp remains high and the squad have channelled that disappointment into focus ahead of the Chilean test.
Goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige, who made his world stage debut against Canada, described the experience as unforgettable and said the team are determined to convert that exposure into points. “Playing at a World Cup was a dream, I’m grateful for the chance. I gave everything for the team and now we’re all concentrating on the next match. I’ll keep fighting so we can secure the result that takes us forward,” Mazige explained.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo urged calm and insisted the group’s objective is unaltered.
He pointed to football’s many second chances and stressed that lessons from the opening game will be put into practice. “Our ambition is to advance from the group. We showed we can compete against a strong side like Canada; tomorrow is another opportunity and we must take it,” Ssenyondo said.
Tactically, Ssenyondo warned that Chile’s structure is built on defensive cohesion, a five-man backline and compact midfield make them tough to break down. “They line up very narrowly and defend in numbers. We’ve analysed them and believe our approach can create openings, we must be clinical when chances arrive,” the coach added.
Preparations concluded with a final session at Al Thumama Stadium’s training pitch, where spirits were visibly lifted.
The squad also received a morale boost from FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, who has been present with the team since the tournament began and offered words of encouragement.
Saturday’s encounter carries huge significance for Uganda’s maiden appearance on football’s global youth stage, a win would keep realistic hopes alive of progressing to the knockout rounds.
