Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo has issued a rallying cry to his young side ahead of Saturday’s decisive FIFA U-17 World Cup playoff against The Gambia, calling the match a “last chance” to achieve their long-held dream.
Set for 7:00 pm EAT at El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, the winner-takes-all encounter offers Uganda a golden opportunity to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar—something the nation has never achieved on the pitch.
“This is our last chance,” Ssenyondo emphasized. “Gambia is a strong side, very competitive. But the World Cup has always been our dream—we have to fight for it.”
Despite falling short of the quarterfinals in the ongoing AFCON U-17 tournament, Uganda’s Cubs secured a playoff spot after finishing third in their group. The Gambia, also third in their group, stands between Uganda and football history. The second playoff tie will pit Egypt against Angola, with only two World Cup tickets left.
While Uganda had qualified for the 2020 edition, that tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this match a symbolic return to unfinished business. The Gambia, meanwhile, enters with a richer history, having featured in the 2005 and 2009 U-17 World Cups.
Coach Ssenyondo is optimistic, pointing to the team’s strong showing in their previous outing despite not getting the desired result.
“We’re confident,” he said. “The boys gave a good performance in the last match, even though we didn’t get the result. That effort gives us belief heading into this final game.”
Midfielder Steven Oyirwoth echoed the coach’s sentiments, calling the game a do-or-die moment for the team.
“No second chances,” said Oyirwoth. “If we really want to achieve our World Cup dream, we have to give it everything. Everyone is focused and ready.”
The Cubs may be without forward James Bogere, who remains a fitness doubt after missing recent training sessions. He will be assessed closer to kickoff, but Ssenyondo is expected to stick with much of his regular starting lineup.
