Dennis Kegengo
November 16, 2025U-17 World Cup: Uganda dominated Senegal and deserved to win – Ssenyondo
U-17 World Cup: Uganda dominated Senegal and deserved to win – Ssenyondo
Uganda national team U-17 coach Brian Ssenyondo has expressed satisfaction with how his team secured a 1-0 Round of 32 victory against Senegal to qualify for the next stage in the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The Cubs netted with their first effort of note, as Abubakali Walusimbi rifled home the first goal their opponents conceded in this tournament from outside the area in the 15th minute.
🔂 Did you see that! 🤯
Walusimbi with a perfect strike to give us the lead.#SENUGA | #U17WC
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 15, 2025
The Lions of Teranga pushed for a leveller and forced Edrisah Waibi into a number of impressive saves, most notably from a sweetly struck Mignane Ndour half-volley. Senegal had a penalty overturned and a goal ruled out for offside as the Cubs held firm to book their last-16 spot.
Uganda fought for everything on the pitch
Speaking after the game, Ssenyondo told FIFA.com: “I’m very happy that the boys put in the character, the spirit and the resilience, but also the boys played good football.
“We dominated the game I believe, as much as Senegal was a tough team, but we fought for everything on the pitch, and we deserved to win.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, goalkeeper Edrisah Waib, who won the Player man of the match award, said: “It’s massive. It was a good game, we played well. The game wasn’t easy because of the physicality.
“But we were strong as you saw in this game. It was great for my team as we’re in the round of 16 and for me, with the Player of the match award.”
Meanwhile, Senegal striker Alwaly Camara remained gutted with the outcome insisting they were the better side than Uganda and deserved to carry the day.
“I think we were the better team. We should have won this match. We had chances to score goals: in the first 15 minutes alone we had three or four opportunities. But that’s football: mistakes cost you. We’ll learn from this, and next time, maybe things will go our way,” Camara told the same portal.
The Cubs will now face Burkina Faso in the Round of 16. Burkina Faso reached the stage following their 1-0 win against Germany. A Mohamed Zongo stunner sent shockwaves through Qatar 2025, as Burkina Faso eliminated reigning champions Germany.