The Uganda Cubs clawed their way back from the brink in breathtaking fashion, rescuing a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast to keep their FIFA U-17 World Cup dream fiercely alive at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a contest drenched in tension, resilience and late theatre at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Uganda twice came from behind to deny the young Elephants victory, with Arafat Ibanda hammering home a stoppage-time penalty that sparked wild celebrations among the East Africans.
The Ivorians had struck first through Koudougnon Drebo midway through the opening half. After a lengthy VAR review, the goal was eventually upheld in the 25th minute, handing Ivory Coast the advantage after a sharp attacking sequence that briefly silenced the Ugandan bench.
Yet the Cubs refused to wilt.
With halftime approaching, Henry Muhoozi produced a moment of exquisite quality, whipping a fierce free-kick beyond the goalkeeper four minutes before the break to restore parity and reignite Uganda’s belief.
Muhoozi Henry bending the free-kick like he’s done it thousand times before. 🇺🇬🤯#CIVUGA | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/4mkoxssfNF
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 19, 2026
The encounter grew increasingly frantic after the restart, with both sides trading momentum in a fiercely contested battle for supremacy in Group B.
Ivory Coast appeared to have delivered the decisive blow in the 79th minute when Souleyman Kone found the net. The assistant referee’s flag initially threatened to cut short the celebrations, but VAR once again intervened to validate the strike and restore the West Africans’ lead.
Uganda, however, summoned one final surge.
As the clock bled into its dying moments, the Cubs won a crucial penalty after another VAR intervention. Up stepped Ibanda, who thundered an emphatic finish into the net to seal a priceless draw and preserve Uganda’s hopes of reaching the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
A valuable point secured by the Uganda Cubs after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire in the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17.
The Cubs will extend their participation in the tournament with a FIFA Under-17 World Cup play-off match, with their opponent yet to be confirmed as group… pic.twitter.com/OdV0kjbIHQ
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) May 19, 2026
The result ensures Uganda advances into the playoff stage for a final shot at qualification, capping a spirited group campaign that began with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
Despite surrendering the lead twice, the Cubs emerged from Rabat with immense credit for their courage and refusal to collapse under pressure.
Ivory Coast finished top of Group B with seven points, but Uganda’s unyielding spirit ensured the East Africans walked away with momentum, and their World Cup ambitions still burning brightly.
