“We were under pressure from start to finish”, said French head coach Lionel Rouxel. After narrowly overcoming the African side, Canadian manager Mike Vitulano also praised Uganda’s performances: “They have been incredible. It was an honour to play them.”
Such compliments from opposition coaches are a testament to the way this Ugandan team have gone about their business so far in the tournament. After losing to Canada in the final moments of their group stage clash and having been held to a 1-1 draw against Chile, Uganda secured their first victory at FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ on Tuesday against Les Bleuets.
The triumph also marked their first victory at any FIFA competition. After all, this is a country that had never previously appeared at a World Cup, at any level or in any category.
Yet this team has approached every match with fearless intent, built on relentless pressing, collective effort and no shortage of talent. The lines move in perfect harmony, players cover for one another, they press in numbers — and above all, they’re never afraid to take their chances in front of goal.
Their talisman and centre-forward, therefore, is not a lone striker chasing personal glory: “I’m happy that I got on the scoresheet, but I’m more happy for the team and that we qualified for the knockout stages”, James Bogere told FIFA.
Uganda head coach, Brian Ssenyondo, echoed his thoughts: “he’s a very humble kid — but all of our players are. It’s something we’re working hard on and there’s still a lot to learn. In the end, football can teach you a lot about life. He should be really proud that he scored against France, but he’s so humble. Sometimes, you wouldn’t think that it was him that scored the goal!”
However, the striker has been in fine form of late for the Cranes. It was the 17-year-old’s brace against Gambia in the African Cup of Nations play-offs that sealed the nation’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
“He always affects the game, even when he doesn’t score”, Ssenyondo explained. “That’s what happened against Chile, but everyone could see his impact throughout the whole game. And more importantly, he knows how to play for the team.”
The forward also opened the scoring in his nation’s first-up fixture against Canada and had a chance to double the lead, but a late comeback by the North American nation left Bogere in tears after the final whistle. However, those tears turned to smiles when he was once again the hero in the final group game, finding the net against France to help Uganda shake off their underdog status and book their place in the next round.
“Football is all about emotions,” the striker, who has scored five goals in seven appearances, said with a smile. “I was really disappointed after the defeat to Canada in the final minutes. But football gives you other opportunities, and I’m delighted with this goal, this [Player of the Match] trophy and for qualifying!”
In the aftermath of the Canada game, the striker went to meet some of the passionate travelling fans to make them a promise. “I promised them that we would come back stronger and we’d give them something to celebrate and cheer about. That’s important. They leave their jobs to come and watch and support us…”
“So I think I can say that we kept our promise to them!”
