The Uganda U20 team, the Hippos, were eliminated from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Zonal CECAFA qualifiers after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Tanzania on Friday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro Heroes fought back from a goal down to secure their place in the final and a ticket to AFCON 2025.
After a goalless first half, Uganda, the 2022 champions, broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Captain Brian Toto capitalized on a well-executed free kick to tap the ball past Tanzanian goalkeeper Anthony Mpemba, putting the Hippos 1-0 up.
However, Tanzania kept the pressure on and equalized in the 71st minute when Sabri Kondo’s powerful shot ricocheted off the post and bounced off Uganda goalkeeper Abdu Magada into the net.
Both teams continued to search for the winner in regular time, but neither side could find the breakthrough, leading to extra time.
In the additional 30 minutes, substitute Jammy Jammy scored the decisive goal, much to the delight of the home crowd, ensuring Tanzania’s qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
“I am very happy to score the winning goal for my team, and we have qualified for AFCON U-20,” Jammy Jammy said after the match.
In the other semi-final, Kenya joined Tanzania as the second CECAFA zone qualifier for AFCON 2025.
Kenya defeated Burundi 4-0 in a dominant display at the Azam Complex on Friday night. Despite a tightly contested first half, the game changed after the interval, with Kenya seizing control.
Lawrence Okoth opened the scoring for Kenya in the 53rd minute following a defensive lapse by Burundi.
With strong control in midfield, Kenya extended their lead through goals from Hassan Kitsao, Aldrine Kibet, and Louise Ingavi to seal a convincing win.
Kenya and Tanzania will face off in the final, while Uganda will play against Burundi in the third-place play-off. Both matches will take place at the KMC Stadium.
