2025 AFCON U-17 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers | Boys | Final
- Tanzania 3-2 Uganda
Uganda’s bid to defend their U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers title ended in heartbreak on Tuesday, December 2, after a spirited 3–2 loss to hosts Tanzania in a gripping final in Dar es Salaam.
The Cubs entered the match confident and eager to retain the crown they lifted in 2022, but Tanzania’s sharp start, and Uganda’s late response proved the difference.
Tanzania struck early with two clinical goals from Razack Juma. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a defensive slip, then doubled the lead in the 29th with a scrappy tap that came off the post, sending the home a countable crowd into a frenzy.
Uganda hit back quickly. Just three minutes after conceding, Thomas Ogema finished off a fine team move in the 13th minute to restore hope.
The Cubs pushed for more, but Tanzania delivered another blow just before halftime when Luqman Mbalasalu made it 3–1 in the 44th minute with a tap in after Uganda goalkeeper Ashiraf Lukyamuzi had cruised away from his posts.
In the second half, Uganda came out determined and pressed Tanzania relentlessly getting in a penalty which was eventually saved by Tanzania’s shot stopper just 11 minutes into the second half.
They controlled possession, created chances, and forced Tanzania deep, but the equaliser remained elusive.
Substitute Brian Olwa pulled one back in the 96th minute to set up a nervy ending, yet time ran out before the Cubs could complete the comeback.
Despite the loss, Uganda had already achieved their main goal, qualifying for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Tanzania, crowned champions, will join them at the continental showpiece.
In the third-place playoff, Ethiopia beat Kenya 3–0 to clinch the region’s final qualification slot.
