U-17: Panama edge Uganda Cubs in tight Dubai friendly match encounter

Uganda’s U17 side, the Uganda Cubs, displayed great determination and character but narrowly fell 2–1 to Panama in their second international friendly match in Dubai on Sunday evening.

The encounter followed their opening fixture against Venezuela on Thursday, which ended in a 1–1 draw, as the Cubs continue their build-up to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

The young Ugandans made a bright start, taking the lead in the 13th minute when Simon Wanyama calmly finished off a well-worked team move. However, Panama restored parity midway through the first half after Gordon Gerson converted from the penalty spot in the 29th minute.

In a closely contested second half, Richards Moises struck in the 58th minute to hand Panama the decisive goal despite the Cubs’ spirited efforts to find an equalizer.

The Uganda Cubs will wrap up their Dubai tour with a final test against Paraguay on Tuesday, before heading to Qatar for the global showpiece.

Uganda is placed in Group K alongside France, Chile, and Canada, and will open their campaign on November 5th against Canada. The tournament runs from November 3rd to 27th.

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