James Bogere: The story of Uganda’s 17-year-old starlet at the AFCON

James Bogere: The story of Uganda’s 17-year-old starlet at the AFCON

Photo: FUFA Media

James Bogere: The story of Uganda’s 17-year-old starlet at the AFCON

James Bogere will step onto the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stage in Morocco as the youngest player in Uganda’s squad, yet his presence feels earned rather than symbolic.

At just 17 years old, Bogere’s inclusion in coach Paul Put’s final AFCON 2025 squad reflects performance, not promise.

This is not a story built on potential alone, but on a steady rise that has forced its own momentum.

Bogere’s development has been marked by continuity. From his early days at El Cambio Academy, his growth followed a clear pattern-pace first, confidence next and decisive end product to complete the profile of a modern forward.

By 2024, his trajectory had become impossible to overlook.

At the U-17 CECAFA Championship in Kampala, Bogere dominated the tournament, scoring seven goals to drive Uganda’s qualification to the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. He did not announce himself loudly, he simply delivered.

The U-17 AFCON in Morocco provided further confirmation. Bogere finished the tournament with three goals and two assists in four matches, establishing himself as the focal point of Uganda’s attack.

Beyond the numbers, he played without restraint, testing defenders with direct running and constant movement.

That confidence translated seamlessly onto the world stage. At the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, Bogere scored Uganda’s first-ever goal at the tournament and later netted the decisive strike against France in a landmark victory.

Uganda reached the Round of 16 on debut, and Bogere’s influence was clear even in absence, as suspension ruled him out of the knockout exit on penalties to Burkina Faso.

Europe soon followed, with Danish club AGF Aarhus securing his signature, a clear indicator of how far his profile had travelled. His call-up to the senior national team initially appeared educational, an opportunity to learn, observe, and adapt.

Instead, he accelerated the process. Strong performances in training and a composed showing in a friendly against AS FAR Rabat reshaped expectations.

For Paul Put, the decision became straightforward. Bogere did not look out of place. He looked prepared.

Bogere is not expected to lead Uganda’s attack in Morocco. However, major tournaments are often influenced by moments rather than reputations.

His pace, direct running and willingness to attack space give Uganda a different dimension, particularly against physically and tactically disciplined opponents such as Tunisia, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Bogere’s retention in the final squad sends a clear message: places are earned on contribution, not age or seniority.

From joining El Cambio Academy at 11 years old to becoming its first graduate to reach the senior national team, Bogere’s journey captures a broader shift in Ugandan football where readiness now outweighs reputation.

At AFCON 2025, James Bogere will not be there to learn the occasion. He will be there because he belongs.

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