David GOMBE
Uganda Cubs needed a comeback win over Gambia to secure a dream U-17 World Cup ticket on Saturday in Morocco.
James Bogere netted a brace as the Cubs staged a 2-1 comeback victory to progress to this year’s U-17 World Cup due in Qatar.
Uganda needed a playoff match against Gambia after failing to secure direct qualification. They finished third in Group A of the U-17 AFCON behind Morocco and Zambia respectively.
In the playoff match, Brian Ssenyondo coached side was pitted against Gambia.
The Cubs became the first Ugandan national football team in history to qualify for the World Cup.
The dream nearly fell short when Gambia took an early lead through Ahmed Njudu Kanyi.
Bogere who has been the shining star for the Cubs restored parity in the 13th minute after being fed by Elvis Torach. The goal was confirmed after a long VAR check.
In the 32nd minute, Bogere completed his brace with Torach again being involved in the build up to the goal.
Gambia pressed for the leveller in the second period but couldn’t breakdown a resilient Ssenyondo side.
Uganda joins Morocco, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and South Africa as teams that have qualified for the World Cup.
