Uganda Cubs face must-win scenario after falling to Tanzania
“We made some mistakes, and we must improve. The boys have the heart, and they know what is at stake. We must stay disciplined, use our chances, and give everything in the next game.”
The win took Tanzania to nine points, while Uganda remained second with six in Group B. (Courtesy Photo)
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TotalEnergies U17 CECAFA Regional Qualifiers (Ethiopia)
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The Uganda Cubs failed to go top of Group B after losing 2–1 to Tanzania at the Dire Dawa Stadium in the TotalEnergies U17 CECAFA Regional Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
The defeat means Uganda must win their final group match on Thursday, November 27, to keep their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.
Uganda head coach Laryea Kingston said the team must remain focused.
“We came to win and finish top, but the game did not go as we planned. We must now move forward and prepare well for the last match because qualification is our target,” he said.
“We made some mistakes, and we must improve. The boys have the heart, and they know what is at stake. We must stay disciplined, use our chances, and give everything in the next game,” he added.
Uganda took the lead on Friday after 15 minutes when Fahad Ismail scored from the penalty spot, but Tanzania responded quickly. Didmas Athanasi equalised in the 26th minute before Soann Shabani scored in the second half to secure all three points for Tanzania.
The win took Tanzania to nine points, while Uganda remained second with six.
In the other Group B match, Burundi claimed their first victory after beating Djibouti 1–0. Sharif Irabaruta scored the only goal. Both teams finished with ten men. Burundi now have three points from two matches, while Uganda have already played three.
The Cubs still have a strong chance of progressing because they hold a superior goal difference of 12 and will face a weaker Djibouti side in their final group match on Thursday. Djibouti and Sudan are fourth and fifth, respectively, both without points.
Uganda are the defending champions, having beaten Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final.
In Group A, hosts Ethiopia have already reached the semifinals. Kenya defeated Rwanda 2–1, while Ethiopia drew 3–3 with Somalia in a hard-fought match that saw Somalia equalise in added time.
The top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the AFCON U17 in 2026.
TotalEnergies U17 CECAFA Regional Qualifiers (Ethiopia)
Group A
Kenya 2 Rwanda 1
Ethiopia 3 Somalia 1
Group B
Tanzania 2 Uganda 1
Burundi 1 Djibouti 0
Group A
Ethiopia – 7 pts (played 3)
Kenya – 4 pts (played 2)
Somalia – 3 pts (played 3)
South Sudan – 1 pt (played 2)
Rwanda – 0 pts (played 2)
Group B
Tanzania – 9 pts (played 3)
Uganda – 6 pts (played 3)
Burundi – 3 pts (played 2)
Djibouti – 0 pts (played 2)
Sudan – 0 pts (played 2)