AFCON U17: VAR Drama as Uganda Cubs Hold Ivory Coast to Keep FIFA U17 World Cup Dream Alive

Tuesday, May 19
Group B Results
Ivory Coast 2-2 Uganda
Cameroon 1-0 DR Congo

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Uganda’s U17 national football team, the Uganda Cubs, came from behind twice to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast and keep their FIFA U17 World Cup qualification hopes alive in a match dominated by VAR decisions.

The Group B encounter played on Tuesday evening featured several major incidents reviewed by VAR, including three goals — two for Ivory Coast and one for Uganda.

Drebo Koudougnon and Souleymane Kone scored for Ivory Coast, while Henry Muhoozi and Arafat Ibanda found the net for Uganda as the Cubs finished third in the group with four points to qualify for the World Cup playoffs.

Ivory Coast took the lead through Drebo Koudougnon, with the goal eventually confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.

Uganda responded before halftime through Henry Muhoozi, who scored a superb free-kick to level matters heading into the break.

In the second half, Ivory Coast survived a potential red card after another VAR review, with the referee ruling that there had been no serious foul play on Uganda’s Trevor Mubiru.

Souleymane Kone later restored Ivory Coast’s lead with a goal that also required a VAR check after it was initially ruled out for offside before eventually being awarded.

Uganda continued to push for an equaliser and found it deep into added time in dramatic fashion.

Trevor Mubiru, who had earlier returned to the pitch after receiving treatment, was brought down inside the penalty area. The referee initially awarded a goal kick, but VAR intervened and a penalty was given to Uganda.

Arafat Ibanda calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to rescue a crucial point for the Uganda Cubs.

The draw saw Ivory Coast finish top of Group B with seven points, while Cameroon secured second place with six points after defeating DR Congo 1-0.

Both Ivory Coast and Cameroon automatically qualified for the FIFA U17 World Cup as the top two teams in the group.

Uganda, who finished third with four points, will now have to go through the playoff stage to secure qualification for the World Cup.

Just like in the previous edition when Uganda defeated The Gambia in the playoffs to qualify for their maiden FIFA U17 World Cup, the Cubs will once again need to win a playoff match to book their place at the global tournament, with their opponents yet to be confirmed.