On Wednesday, Canada secured their first-ever victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Uganda. Elijah Roche scored in the 88th minute, and Marius Aiyenero converted a crucial penalty in stoppage time to seal the dramatic comeback. Uganda had taken the lead through James Bogere’s goal in the 25th minute, but Roche equalized late on with a powerful header from a corner kick by Aghilas Sadek.
In the dying moments of the game, a penalty was awarded to Canada after a video review showed John Asiimwe fouling Aiyenero in the box. Aiyenero, who plays for Los Angeles FC 2, calmly slotted the spot kick past the Ugandan goalkeeper, Gilbert Mazige, to secure the historic victory for Canada.
Canada’s head coach, Mike Vitulano, praised his team’s resilience and character, highlighting the importance of the win as a milestone for the program. The Canadian players, most of whom are affiliated with MLS clubs, showcased determination and teamwork to turn the game around and set a new standard for future generations.
Looking ahead, Canada will face France in their next Group K match on Saturday before taking on Chile next Tuesday. France, who defeated Chile 2-0, has a strong history in the U-17 tournament, having won the title in 2001 and finished as runners-up in the previous edition in 2023.
Despite Uganda creating better scoring opportunities, especially on the counterattack, Canada managed to capitalize on their chances late in the game. The match saw Uganda outshooting Canada 13-19, but the Canadian defense, led by Roche, stood firm to secure the victory.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup, featuring an expanded 48-team format, will continue until November 27 at the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, Qatar. The tournament’s final will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Canada’s qualification journey for the World Cup included a dominant performance in the qualifying rounds, where they topped their group with a perfect record. The team’s preparation was bolstered by increased funding from Canada Soccer, allowing coach Mike Vitulano more time to train and develop the young squad.
Uganda, who secured their spot in the tournament through a playoff victory over Gambia, showcased their talent and determination despite the defeat. The U-17 World Cup has seen several future stars, including Pedri, Neymar, Phil Foden, and Son Heung-min, make their mark on the international stage.