U-17 AFCON (Q): Tanzania triumphs in CECAFA qualifying tournament

Tanzania were crowned champions of CECAFA qualifying tournament for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) following their 3–2 win over Uganda in the final match at the Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium. Tanzania maintained their perfect outing up until the final, as they had won six games overall during the competition.

Tanzania’s third of the evening.#U17AFCONCQ | #HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/kcG0X4DwMx

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) December 2, 2025

It was an epic encounter between the 2024 finalists as Tanzania sought revenge this time around. They started on a bright note six minutes into the match, with Razaki Mbegelendi scoring after dreadful defending from the Cubs.

Uganda leveled matters in similar fashion, with Thomas Ogema striking after a defensive blunder from the Tanzanian backline. Mbegelendi and Iquman Mbalasalu scored to give Tanzania a commanding 3–1 lead at the interval.

Uganda came out the stronger after the resumption, but a solid defensive display from Tanzania kept them at bay for much of the half. Brian Olwa headed home from a corner deep into stoppage time, as Uganda failed to retain their title.

The Serengeti Boys were crowned champions of CECAFA for the second time. Tanzania, Uganda, and hosts Ethiopia have qualified for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco.

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