Uganda’s Rhinos ended their campaign at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival on a winning note, beating France 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to finish fifth in Tier C in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Friday.

At Pitch 5B of the Hovsan Competition Complex, Jefferson Kwikiriza gave Uganda an early lead with a sixth-minute goal, raising hopes of a victory in normal time.

France, however, fought back to level the score, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. The Ugandans kept their composure from the spot to secure victory and bring their tournament journey to a satisfying conclusion.

The fifth-place finish offered some consolation for a team whose campaign had included impressive victories, a difficult quarter-final defeat and a determined fightback in the classification matches.

Strong start, difficult setback

The Rhinos finished third in Group U with three wins, one draw and one defeat, a record that sent them into Tier C under the tournament’s placement system.

Their campaign began on October 24 with a narrow 4-3 defeat to the Kyrgyz Republic. Uganda quickly recovered, beating Equatorial Guinea 6-0 and Cabo Verde 5-1 on October 25 before drawing with Ecuador.

They completed their group-stage fixtures emphatically on October 26, thrashing Tonga 12-0.

Despite those convincing results, Uganda’s third-place finish in the group meant they had to pursue their ambitions in Tier C rather than the higher tiers.

Kwikiriza and Kasumba lead the way

Uganda responded well in the knockout rounds, beginning with a 5-2 victory over Yemen in the Round of 32.

Kwikiriza and Angello Kasumba scored twice each, while Ian Wafula added the other goal to send the Rhinos into the Round of 16.

They followed that performance with an even more impressive display against Japan, winning 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Kwikiriza, Jonah Muwanguzi, Kasumba and Ivan Kiganda scored a goal each as Uganda overwhelmed their opponents.

However, the quarter-final proved a difficult hurdle. The Rhinos suffered a 5-1 defeat to Belarus, with Muwanguzi scoring Uganda’s only goal.

The loss ended their hopes of progressing further in the knockout competition, leaving them to battle for a place in the lower classification positions.

Rhinos recover against Benin

The Ugandans refused to let the Belarus defeat define their tournament, responding with a convincing 5-1 victory over Benin in the Tier C fifth-to-eighth-place classification semi-final on October 29.

Kwikiriza was again on the scoresheet, while Ethan Bakika Tendo, Mathias Muwonge and Kasumba also found the net. Rialdo’s own goal completed Uganda’s tally.

The victory secured the Rhinos a place in the fifth-place final against France, giving them another opportunity to finish their campaign on a high.

France falls at the final hurdle

Uganda took that opportunity on Friday, holding their nerve to overcome France in the penalty shootout.

Kwikiriza’s early strike had put them in control, but France fought back to make it 1-1 before the match went to penalties.

The Rhinos then converted enough of their spot-kicks to win 4-2 and claim fifth place in Tier C.

While the quarter-final defeat to Belarus denied Uganda a chance to compete for a higher finish, their response in the classification matches showed the team’s ability to recover from disappointment.

Victories over Benin and France, alongside earlier successes against Yemen, Japan, Equatorial Guinea, Cabo Verde and Tonga, provided a strong collection of results from their time in Azerbaijan.

For the young Ugandans, the tournament was an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition, gain valuable experience and show what they can offer on the global stage.

They leave Baku with fifth place in Tier C and a campaign that featured both setbacks and moments to celebrate.