Elijah Roche scored in the 88th minute and Marius Ayenero converted a penalty in stoppage time as Canada cruised to a Houdini-like 2-1 victory over Uganda on Wednesday to claim its first victory in nine trips to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
James Boger's goal in the 25th minute should have given Uganda a reason to celebrate their first appearance in a FIFA tournament. But Roche, who had made a game-saving tackle at the other end minutes earlier, rose high and fired home Aguilas Sadek's corner to put Canada ahead even in the final minutes in Doha, Qatar.
Then, after a video review, it was determined that Ugandan player John Asiimwe brought down Ayenero in the penalty area. The substitute, who plays his club football for Los Angeles FC 2, beat Ugandan goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige from the penalty spot for the winner in the 98th minute.
The Canadian men improved to 1-20-4 in the under-17 tournament. Canada, which hosted the tournament in 1987, lost those 25 games 71–13 (one of its goals being an own goal by Argentina).
“Tonight is a proud moment for our program,” said Team Canada head coach Mike Vitulano. “We wanted to set a new standard for future generations and we 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 will enjoy this moment, but we are an ambitious group and our focus quickly turns to preparing for the next match.”
The Canadians continue play in Group K against France on Saturday before facing Chile next Tuesday. France beat Chile 2-0 on Wednesday.
France won the U-17 title in 2001, finished second last time in 2023 and finished third in 2019. Chile finished third in 1993.
Canada had plenty of the ball on Wednesday but lacked teeth up front, while Uganda were always dangerous on the counter-attack. And when Canada did get a shot on goal, Masige was ready to take on the challenge until Roche, Toronto's reserves defenseman, came to the rescue.
Uganda, who outshot Canada 13–19 (6–6 shots on target), tired as time ran out and Canada took advantage.
The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 games, will run through November 27 across the eight courses of the Aspire Zone complex. The final will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium, which is also located within the Aspire Zone.
Uganda had better chances to score
Other debutants in the tournament are El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia.
While Canada had more possession (58 percent) in the first half, Uganda had the better chances.
Uganda threatened on the counter-attack and Bogere made it one in the first half, eluding Roche before calmly sending the ball straight into the post past the outstretched leg of Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom. Brian Jara organized the game with a precise through ball.
Bogere had a chance to double the lead in the 83rd minute but was denied by Roche.
Eight of the 11 Canadian starters are advancing through the ranks of MLS clubs: three with Toronto and one each with Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps. Two are part of the youth system of English clubs (Leicester City and Fulham) and one from the Netherlands (Feyenoord).
All of Uganda's starting XI players play for their national clubs.
Uganda looked to have taken the lead in the seventh minute on a quick counter-attack when Ransom deflected Bogere's shot into the path of Elvis Torac, who headed the ball home.
But Torac was offside and the goal was disallowed.
Bogere, after a blistering strike from captain Richard Okello, came close in the 21st minute, but a diving Ransom got a hand on his shot and pushed it off the goalpost to safety.
Missed request
Uganda outshot Canada 7–4 (with the score tied 3–3 on goal) in the first half.
Uganda claimed a penalty when Bogere was beaten in a challenge by Canada captain Richard Chukwu. Ukraine national team referee Alexey Derevinsky went to the pitchside monitor to review the play but ruled that there was no foul.
The tournament video system allows coaches to request a video review twice per game. If the referee's check results in a change to the original decision, the team retains its request.
This system served Canada well in stoppage time.
Canadian Kevin Hahn had to leave the game with an injury in the 72nd minute.
On the eve of the tournament, Ienero, Antone Bossenberry and Sasha Chernik were added to the squad, while Andre Ali-Gayapersad, Owen Graham-Roach and Stefan Kapor withdrew due to injury.
The young Canadians booked their berth at the World Cup in February by topping their five-team qualifying group of Bermuda, Anguilla, Curacao and Turks and Caicos with a perfect 4-0-0 record. They beat their opponents 28:2, both goals coming from penalties.
Canada Soccer doubled its youth program budget this year, allowing coach Mike Vitulano to spend more time with his team.
Uganda qualified by beating Gambia 2-1 in the play-offs in April and finishing third in their group at the 2025 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations. The top two teams in each of the four groups booked a trip to Qatar, while the four third-placed teams will meet in the playoffs to determine the final two qualifying matches.
Spain's Pedri, Brazil's Neymar and Alisson Becker, England's Phil Foden and South Korea's Heung-Min Son are among the international stars taking part in the Under-17 World Cup.
