FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP: Bogere On Target as Uganda defeat France to Reach Knock out Stage.

El Cambio Soccer Academy striker James Bogere took his tally to two goals in the on going FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament after scoring the only goal for Uganda against France in the last group K game played in Qatar.

Bogere’s 18th minute historical goal ensured Uganda qualify for their first ever knock out stage, the Cubs (U-17) being the first national side to feature at a World Cup tournament at all levels.

The Masaka Sunshine forward, calmly put the ball behind the back of the net early in the first half after captain and fellow El Cambio Academy mate Hamuza Ssengoba picked him inside the 18 yard box.

With a few chances created by the European side, other Uganda chances fell to Arafat Nkoola whose effort hit the cross bar and then was shortly denied by a block inside the 18 yard box.

Uganda that qualified as one of the best ranked 8 teams among the 3rd placed teams, had lost the opener 2-1 to Canada and drew 1-1 with Chile and they needed maximum points to make it out of the group.

Chile beat Canada 2-1 in the other Group K match and also finished with 4 points but finished 4th with a poor goal difference(-1). Chile lost 2-0 to France, drew 1-1 with Uganda and they beat Canada 2-1.

With all four team finishing with 4 points, France topped the group with (+1) goal difference, Canada and Uganda tied at (0) difference but, Canada with a head to head advantage to finish second and Uganda third.

From the 12 groups, the two leaders in each group – making it 24 teams, automatically qualified for the Round of 32 stage along with the 8 based places third teams from all the groups.

Among those that have qualified so far include; Uganda, Portugal, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Zambia,Austria, USA,Republic of Ireland,Belgium,Japan, Senegal,Croatia,South Africa, Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, Korea Republic, Korea DPRM, Morocco,Germany, Colombia, Tunisia, England,France, Canada, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, Burkina Faso, Czechia.

Uganda will face Senegal at the round of 32 stage and the winner will play the winner between Germany and Burkina Faso at the round of 16.