The Uganda U-17 national team, the Cubs, narrowly lost 3–2 to Tanzania in the final of the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers on Tuesday afternoon at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. Despite the defeat, Uganda accomplished their biggest mission—booking a slot at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
Tanzania came out of the blocks with purpose, dominating the early exchanges and scoring all three of their goals before halftime. Uganda, however, showed their fighting spirit. In the 13th minute, forward Thomas Ogema capitalised on a defensive blunder, pressing a Tanzanian defender who had received a poor pass from his goalkeeper. Ogema skillfully dribbled past the last defender and goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner to level matters.
The Cubs built momentum from the equaliser, creating several good chances, but Tanzania restored their lead and later added a third goal to take a 3–1 advantage into the break.
Uganda came back stronger in the second half, pushing relentlessly and carving out opportunities as they searched for a comeback. Their efforts paid off deep into stoppage time when Brian Olwa fired home in the 96th minute to make it 3–2. However, time was not on their side as Tanzania held firm to clinch the title.
The Cubs had booked their place in the final with an emphatic 3–0 semifinal win over hosts Ethiopia. Lorian Lwesibawa scored twice, including a stunning free-kick in the 78th minute, while Ogema added the other goal. The semifinal triumph ensured Uganda’s qualification to next year’s U-17 AFCON and underscored the team’s strong pedigree in youth competitions.
Though the title defence fell short at the final hurdle, the young Ugandan side leaves the tournament with their AFCON ticket secured and valuable experience gained. Focus will now shift to strengthening the squad ahead of the continental showdown next year, where the Cubs hope to make a memorable impact.
