Uganda Cubs beat Tanzania to win U-17 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers

Uganda emerged victorious in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations – CECAFA qualifiers after a spirited 2-1 comeback win against Tanzania in a thrilling final held at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium, Kampala, on Friday, Soccernet.football reports.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s side demonstrated resilience, recovering from an early setback to secure the title.

Tanzania took an 11th-minute lead when Abel Josiah Samson capitalised on a precise pass, skillfully evading a defender before slotting the ball past Uganda’s goalkeeper, Edrisah Waibi.

Uganda responded with relentless pressure, creating several opportunities, but Tanzania’s defence held firm throughout the first half. The second half saw the Cubs intensify their offensive efforts, and they nearly equalized in the 56th minute when Arafat Nkoola’s header struck the post.

Nkoola eventually levelled the score in the 64th minute, nodding in a perfectly delivered Elvis Torach cross. With the game nearing its conclusion, James Bogere sealed the victory with a stunning goal from a tight angle in the 89th minute, beating Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Abrahman Nassoro. The strike was Bogere’s seventh goal of the tournament, confirming his status as one of the competition’s standout players.

Local fans erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew. “I’m proud of the players for showing determination and fighting back to win after conceding early,” said an elated Coach Ssenyondo post-match.

In the third-place play-off, Somalia edged South Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate.

Both Uganda and Tanzania will represent the CECAFA Zone at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025.

Uganda emerged victorious in the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations – CECAFA qualifiers after a spirited 2-1 comeback win against Tanzania in a thrilling final held at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium, Kampala, on Friday, Soccernet.football reports.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo’s side demonstrated resilience, recovering from an early setback to secure the title.

Tanzania took an 11th-minute lead when Abel Josiah Samson capitalised on a precise pass, skillfully evading a defender before slotting the ball past Uganda’s goalkeeper, Edrisah Waibi.

Uganda responded with relentless pressure, creating several opportunities, but Tanzania’s defence held firm throughout the first half. The second half saw the Cubs intensify their offensive efforts, and they nearly equalized in the 56th minute when Arafat Nkoola’s header struck the post.

Nkoola eventually levelled the score in the 64th minute, nodding in a perfectly delivered Elvis Torach cross. With the game nearing its conclusion, James Bogere sealed the victory with a stunning goal from a tight angle in the 89th minute, beating Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Abrahman Nassoro. The strike was Bogere’s seventh goal of the tournament, confirming his status as one of the competition’s standout players.

Local fans erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew. “I’m proud of the players for showing determination and fighting back to win after conceding early,” said an elated Coach Ssenyondo post-match.

In the third-place play-off, Somalia edged South Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate.

Both Uganda and Tanzania will represent the CECAFA Zone at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025.