Canada's Men Secure First Ever FIFA U-17 World Cup Victory
Elijah Roche scored in the 88th minute, and Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty during stoppage time as Canada pulled off a remarkable 2-1 win over Uganda on Wednesday, marking their first victory in nine appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Match Highlights
James Bogere put Uganda ahead in the 25th minute, giving the team something to celebrate during their debut at a FIFA tournament. However, Roche, who had just made a crucial goal-saving tackle, leapt to head in Aghilas Sadek’s corner kick late in the game to equalize for Canada in Doha, Qatar.
Decisive Moments
After video review, Uganda’s John Asiimwe was penalized for fouling Aiyenero inside the penalty box. The substitute, who represents Los Angeles FC 2 at club level, calmly converted the penalty in the 98th minute to secure the win.
Historical Context and Team Performance
- Canada's men's record in the U-17 tournament improved to 1 win, 20 losses, and 4 draws.
- Over 25 games, Canada has been outscored 71-13, including one goal from an Argentine own goal.
- Canada previously hosted the tournament in 1987.
"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."
Author's summary: Canada's U-17 men's team achieved their first-ever World Cup win with a late comeback and penalty against Uganda, marking a historic milestone and showcasing strong resilience.