Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Cubs, will bring their Dubai Youth Challenge campaign to a close on Tuesday evening with a crucial test against South American outfit Paraguay at the Al Hamriya Cultural and Sports Club.
The encounter marks Uganda’s final warm-up fixture before their maiden appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled for November 3–27, 2025, in Qatar.
This duel will also be the Cubs’ second meeting with a South American side in the build-up to the global tournament, having earlier drawn 1-1 with Venezuela, courtesy of a strike from James Bogere.
‘We’ll fix it’: Ssenyondo confident despite Uganda Cubs’ painful loss
The young Ugandans have endured a mixed run in Dubai so far, with flashes of brilliance tempered by costly lapses. On Sunday, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Panama despite taking an early lead through Simon Wanyama in the 13th minute. Panama hit back via Gordon Gerson’s penalty seven minutes later, before Richards Moises sealed the comeback with a well-taken effort in the 58th minute.
Head coach Brian Ssenyondo remains upbeat despite the recent setback, describing the friendlies as invaluable learning opportunities for his charges.
“The boys (players) have really showed the urge and willingness to play. These build-ups have been very crucial to us because they have painted a clear picture of what we should expect in the main tournament (FIFA U-17 World Cup),” noted Ssenyondo, who also serves as co-coach at KCCA FC.
Uganda will feature in Group K at the World Cup alongside Canada, Chile, and France, a challenging but exciting draw for the East Africans. With Chile and Canada representing different footballing philosophies, the current friendly encounters against Venezuela and Paraguay provide the Cubs with a strategic preview of the technical and physical demands they will face on the grand stage.
As the countdown to Qatar continues, Tuesday’s clash with Paraguay offers Uganda a final opportunity to fine-tune their tactics, sharpen their finishing, and solidify their defensive coordination.
Ssenyondo encouraged by Uganda Cubs’ performance against Venezuela
For the Cubs, this journey is not only about preparation, it’s about making history. The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup will mark Uganda’s first-ever appearance at the global youth tournament, a milestone moment that showcases the nation’s growing football pedigree and opens the international shop window for its emerging talents.
