The Uganda Cubs displayed overcame Tanzania 2-1 in Friday's thrilling final from the CECAFA U-17 Championship on Friday at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. The victory secured their regional dominance and the tournament title after both teams clinched qualification for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the final.
Tanzania drew first blood in the 11th minute when Abel Josiah Samson capitalized on defensive lapses to put his team ahead. However, the Cubs regrouped and mounted a spirited comeback in the second half.
Arafat Nkoola sparked Uganda’s revival in the 63rd minute, slotting home a well-executed strike to level the score.
As the game edged closer to full time, goal poacher James Bogere stepped up with an 88th-minute winner, sealing the victory for Uganda and extending his tally to seven goals, crowning him as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Uganda’s Abubaker Walusimbi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while Tanzania’s Abdulrahman Nassoro earned the accolade of Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his impressive performances throughout the tournament.
Both Uganda and Tanzania had already secured qualification for the AFCON U17 finals, set to take place in Morocco next year between March and April.
In the earlier third-place playoff, Somalia edged South Sudan 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw in regular time.
This victory marks another milestone for Uganda’s youth football, showcasing the team’s ability to thrive under pressure and deliver on the regional stage.
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