The Uganda Cubs refused to let their World Cup dream fade, pulling off a breathtaking late escape to earn a 1-1 draw with Chile in their second Group Stage match at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
For long stretches, it looked like Chile would walk away with the win after skipper Bruno Torres steered in a sharp header near the end of the first half. But Uganda, still stung from their narrow loss to Canada, played with a stubborn edge that kept the South Americans uncomfortable all evening.
Brian Ssenyondo’s youngsters carved out the better chances after the restart. They cracked the woodwork, pressed with purpose, and forced the Chilean keeper into a standout save to deny James Bogere. Still, time kept slipping away.
A draw in Qatar ✍️
Full-Time! Uganda U-17 1️⃣-1️⃣ Chile U-17#UGACHL | #U17WC pic.twitter.com/Nr5sgiosFi
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 8, 2025
As the clock drifted deep into added minutes, Uganda earned a late corner that turned into pure chaos. The ball pinged around the penalty area, bodies everywhere, the Chilean defence scrambling. Substitute Derick Ssozi, barely on the pitch long enough to break a sweat, reacted quickest. He smashed the loose ball goalward, and despite frantic attempts to hook it off the line, the referee signalled that it had crossed. Cue pure, unfiltered jubilation from the Cubs.
Uganda Cubs Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo speaking after the 1-1 draw against Chile U-17#U17WC pic.twitter.com/rOp8rWd7JH
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 8, 2025
The equalizer felt inevitable given Uganda’s relentless push, and it keeps their knockout ambitions alive heading into a daunting final group clash with France on Tuesday. Nothing short of a strong result will do, but if this fightback proved anything, it’s that Uganda won’t stop swinging.
