Uganda’s Cranes were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo on Monday after teenage forward James Bogere struck in the 90th minute to complete an unbeaten FIFA international window.

The AGF Aarhus forward came off the bench to rescue Uganda after the Leopards had taken the lead through Nathanaël Mbuku early in the second half.

DR Congo approached the second meeting with a stronger lineup than the side Uganda defeated three days earlier, with experienced players including captain Chancel Mbemba, Mbuku and Joris Kayembe all starting.

Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval, but DR Congo returned from the break with greater attacking intent.

Their pressure eventually paid off when Mbuku cut inside from the right before sending a low effort beyond Uganda debutant goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi.

Uganda continued to give valuable minutes to recently integrated dual-nationality players, with Osayi, Arnold Vula and Kelvin Boateng featuring once again.

However, it was 18-year-old Bogere who provided the decisive moment.

The former Uganda U-17 standout was released after substitute Denis Omedi won possession from Kayembe in midfield and immediately played the ball into his path.

Bogere raced into space on the right before unleashing a powerful early effort that caught goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud by surprise, with the ball squeezing inside the near post.

The goal marked Bogere’s first at senior international level and came in his fourth appearance for the Cranes.

It also means the teenager has now scored in consecutive matches after making his senior debut.

The result completes a positive international window for Uganda, who also collected four points from their two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya.

Uganda drew 1-1 with Tunisia before securing a 1-0 victory over Libya.

DR Congo, meanwhile, entered the friendly on the back of victories over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in their opening AFCON qualifying matches.