UGANDA CUBS BEGIN DUBAI CAMP AS FIFA U17 NEARS KICKOFF
The Uganda U17 Cubs have arrived in Dubai for a final 10-day training camp before their historic FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. The squad will play friendlies to prepare for Group K.
The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team is at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 Qatar - COURTESY/PHOTO
In preparation for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which takes place from November 3 to 27, the Uganda U17 Men's National Team, known as the Cubs, has safely landed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The 38-member team, headed by Rasoul Ariga, a member of the FUFA Executive Committee, arrived in Dubai on Tuesday night and will participate in a rigorous international training camp for the next 10 days. There are 12 officials and 26 players in the gr
oup.
An important turning point in Uganda's historic route to their first appearance at the world showcase is this final camp.
The team will perform a series of high-intensity training sessions and play numerous friendly matches against elite youth sides, with fixtures to be revealed soon.
Before the team's World Cup debut, head coach Brian Ssenyondo stated that the emphasis in Dubai will be on honing strategies, increasing physical conditioning, and developing mental toughness.
"The youngsters get a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against various styles and boost their confidence at this camp. The team is committed to representing Uganda with pride as we approach the finish line, he said.
The Cubs defeated Amus College School 5-0 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, to conclude their domestic camp before departing for Dubai.
Abubakali Walusimbi and Kamurungi Nuwagaba also scored goals, and James Bogere scored a hat-trick.
Since October 7, the Cubs have been housed at the FUFA Hotel Kisaasi. Before the team travels to Qatar, the final 21-player roster will be announced following the Dubai camp.
Along with Canada, Chile, and France, Uganda has been assigned to Group K. On November 5, the Cubs will play Canada in the World Cup opener.
Officials: Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim, Leader of Delegation; Brian Ssenyondo, Head Coach; Mutyaba Bashir, FA Football Development Director/Team Manager; Ssali Ronald, Assistant Coach; Massa Simoen, Fitness Coach; Magada Kenneth, Goalkeeping Coach; Gumisiriza, Team Doctors Michael Kamu and Kulika Ivan; Kizito Dennis, Physical Trainer; Ddamba Noah Veron, Equipment Manager; Kivumbi Joel Cornerious, Team Media Officer; Kakairi Emmanuel Julius, FUFA TV Production
Team Players
Goalkeepers: Edris Waibi (Buddo SS), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), and Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC)
Defenders: Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC), Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), and Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC).
Midfielders: Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Brian Jjara (KCCA FC), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), and Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC).
Forwards: James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), and Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College).
UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS
The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO
In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.
The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.
James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.
But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.
Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.
After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.
Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.
After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.
Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.
"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.
It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.
At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.
Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.
LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1
JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.
Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO
The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.
At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.
The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.
Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.
The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.
As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.
The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.
Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.
The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).
However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).