Canada's Men Score First Ever Win at FIFA U-17 World Cup
Elijah Roche scored in the 88th minute and Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 victory for Canada over Uganda on Wednesday. This marks Canada's first win in nine appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Match Summary
James Bogere opened the scoring for Uganda in the 25th minute, marking the team's first-ever goal in a FIFA tournament. However, late in the match in Doha, Qatar, Roche answered back with a header from Aghilas Sadek's corner, leveling the score. Following a video review, Uganda's John Asiimwe was penalized for taking down Aiyenero in the box. Aiyenero, who plays club football for Los Angeles FC 2, scored the winning penalty in the 98th minute against goalkeeper Gilbert Mazige.
Historical Context and Coach's Remarks
- Canada’s all-time record at the U-17 tournament improved to 1 win, 20 losses, and 4 draws.
- Before this, Canada had been outscored 71-13 in 25 games, including an own goal by Argentina.
"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 we're an ambitious group and our focus quickly shifts to preparing for the next match."
Key Players
- Elijah Roche: Scored the equalizer and made a crucial goal-saving tackle earlier.
- Marius Aiyenero: Converted the decisive penalty kick in stoppage time.
- James Bogere: Scored Uganda's historic first goal at a FIFA tournament.
Author's summary: Canada's U-17 men's team secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup win after a dramatic late comeback, showcasing resilience and setting a new standard for future squads.