Uganda Cubs Triumph in CECAFA U-17 AFCON Qualifiers

The Uganda Cubs have been crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers after a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Tanzania in the final at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

Tanzania took an early lead, with Abel Josiah Samson scoring in the 11th minute after a brilliant solo run and finish past Uganda’s goalkeeper, Edrisah Waibi. However, Uganda responded strongly, creating several chances but facing tough resistance from the Tanzanian defense.

In the second half, Uganda’s Arafat Nkoola came close with a header that hit the post in the 56th minute. But Uganda’s persistence paid off when Nkoola equalized in the 64th minute, heading in a well-placed cross from Elvis Torach.

As the game was about to finish, Uganda pushed harder to score, and James Bogere made the winning goal in the 89th minute from a difficult angle. This secured the victory and marked his seventh goal in the tournament.

In expressing his joy, coach Brian Ssenyondo said, "I'm proud that the team kept fighting even after letting in a goal."

Earlier, Somalia beat South Sudan 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 2-2. Both Uganda and Tanzania have now made it to the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.