Canada Earns Historic First FIFA U-17 World Cup Victory
Elijah Roche scored in the 88th minute and Marius Aiyenero netted a penalty in stoppage time, sealing a thrilling 2–1 win for Canada over Uganda on Wednesday. It marked Canada’s first-ever victory in nine appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Uganda Takes Early Lead
James Bogere opened the scoring in the 25th minute, giving Uganda something to cheer about in its debut at a FIFA tournament. The goal came after steady pressure and sharp counterattacks from the Ugandan side.
Roche’s Equalizer Sparks Hope
Shortly after making a crucial defensive stop, Roche rose to meet Aghilas Sadek’s corner with a decisive header, bringing Canada level in the final minutes of the match in Doha, Qatar.
Late Drama and Canadian Triumph
Following a video review, Uganda’s John Asiimwe was penalized for bringing down Aiyenero inside the box. The substitute, who represents Los Angeles FC 2, calmly placed his shot past goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige in the 98th minute to secure the win.
Historical Context and Team Reaction
This result improved Canada’s overall record to 1–20–4 at the U-17 tournament. The team, which hosted the competition in 1987, has scored 13 goals and conceded 71 in 25 total matches.
“Tonight is a proud moment for our program,” said Canada head coach Mike Vitulano. “We wanted to set a new benchmark for the generations to come and did just that. The boys showed incredible character to come from behind, fight their way back and find a way to win late. It's a testament to their belief and togetherness. We'll enjoy this moment, but our focus quickly shifts to preparing for the next match.”
Author’s note: Canada’s resilient comeback against Uganda symbolizes a breakthrough for its youth soccer program on the world stage.