Tuesday, 28th October 2025 | Al Hamriya Cultural & Sports Club, Dubai
Uganda’s U17 national team, the Uganda Cubs, put up another brave performance but were edged 3–2 by South American side Paraguay in their final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.
The match served as the Cubs’ last test ahead of their historic debut at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, and once again, Brian Ssenyondo’s charges showed attacking promise but were undone by lapses in defending.
The young Ugandans took the lead in the 24th minute through their danger man James Bogere, who continued his fine scoring form after also finding the back of the net against Venezuela.
However, Paraguay responded strongly, equalizing from the penalty spot through Alan Ledesma in the 40th minute.
Just four minutes later, Almada Derlis put the South Americans ahead with a well-taken strike to ensure Paraguay went into the break with a 2–1 advantage.
Uganda came back rejuvenated after the interval, piling pressure on Paraguay and eventually leveling matters in the 55th minute courtesy of Abubakali Walusimbi.
Despite the resurgence, Paraguay regained the lead in the 71st minute when De Cavalho Mouricio capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home what proved to be the match-winner.
The result marked Uganda’s second defeat in Dubai after a 2–1 loss to Panama, following an encouraging 1–1 draw with Venezuela in their opening game.
After the game, head coach Brian Ssenyondo expressed gratitude for the exposure his team gained during the camp and remained optimistic ahead of the World Cup.
‘I am thankful that we have had this camp, so I want to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has given us a real picture of what we are going to find in the World Cup,’ Ssenyondo said.
‘When you see the teams we have played, they come from the same region as our group opponents Canada and Chile so this means a lot. The good thing is that in all three games, we have scored first, which shows our attacking potential. What we need to improve is defending and game management. I believe by the time we play our first match in Qatar, everything will be in place.’
Uganda is pooled in Group K at the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, alongside Canada, Chile, and France, and will kick off their campaign on November 5th against Canada.
Despite not winning any of their Dubai friendlies, the Cubs’ performances have offered valuable lessons and built confidence ahead of their maiden appearance on the global stage.
Uganda Cubs Results in Dubai Friendlies:
Uganda Cubs 1–1 Venezuela
Uganda Cubs 1–2 Panama
Uganda Cubs 2–3 Paraguay
Uganda Cubs Scorers in Dubai:
James Bogere (2)
Simon Wanyama (1)
Abubakali Walusimbi (1)
