Uganda, Tanzania qualify for U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025

Uganda and Tanzania have qualified to represent the CECAFA Zone at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

The two teams secured qualification on Tuesday after Tanzania stopped South Sudan 4-0, and Uganda saw off Somalia 4-1 in the semi final matches played at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala.

In the first match Tanzania took a 3-0 first half lead with goals by Hussein Mbegu, Ng’habi Zamu and Abel Josiah Samson.

After recess the South Sudan team tried to fight back, but still failed to dominate the Tanzanian team. Substitute Juma Abushiri made it 4-0 for Tanzania after 52 minutes.

Later South Sudan earned a penalty after 67 minutes after defender Idrisa Kilendewo handled the ball in the box. Tanzanian goalkeeper Abrahman Massoro saved Lazarus Peter George Laku’s penalty kick.

Aggrey Morris Ambros, the Tanzanian head coach said he was happy that his players have worked hard to qualify. “I thank my team for the work well done,” added Ambros.

In the second match the hosts Uganda dominated play to dispatch Somalia.

After missing so many scoring opportunities, Uganda Cubs took the lead at the stroke of halftime with a goal by Abubakali Walusimbi.

In the second half Anas Mohamed had a shot for Somalia that was parried out by the Ugandan goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi after 49 minutes.

But the Ugandan team cheered on by the home supporters continued to push forward and increased their lead with a goal by James Bogere after 58 minutes.

Later substitute Ibrahim Osman utilized his chance when he beat a Ugandan defender and pulled a goal back for Somalia after 70 minutes.

Somalia continued to push forward, but failed to score more goals, as the Uganda Cubs turned on the magic to score two more goals. In the last six minutes of added time Bogere scored two more goals to take his tally to six goals.

“I am delighted that the boys have worked hard and qualified for the U-17 AFCON and also reached the final. We now need to go back to the drawing board and plan for the final against Tanzania,” said Uganda’s coach Brian Ssenyondo.

The third and fourth play-off between South Sudan and Somalia, together with the final between Tanzania and Uganda will be played on December 27th, 2024.