Uganda Cubs Lose CECAFA Final but Secure Qualification for 2026 U17 AFCON

Uganda’s U17 national team, the Uganda Cubs, fell short in their bid to defend the CECAFA U17 Championship title after losing 3–2 to Tanzania in Tuesday’s final played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa. Despite the defeat, the Cubs achieved their main target—qualification for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations .

Tanzania dominated the first half and scored all three of their goals before the interval, punishing Uganda with swift breaks and clinical finishing. Uganda had made a promising start and drew level in the 13th minute when Thomas Ogema forced an error from a Tanzanian defender, skipped past another challenge, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into the far corner. 

The equalizer lifted the Cubs' confidence, and they created several chances before Tanzania restored their lead and later extended it. 

The Cubs mounted a strong push in the second half, pressing relentlessly in search of a comeback. Their efforts paid off deep into added time when Brian Olwa fired in from close range to make it 3–2, setting up a tense finish. Uganda continued to pile pressure, forcing Tanzania onto the back foot, but the decisive breakthrough never arrived. Uganda had booked their place in the final with a convincing 3–0 win over Ethiopia in the semifinals. 

Lorian Lwesibawa scored twice, including a well-taken free kick, while Ogema added the third. That victory also sealed Uganda’s qualification for next year’s continental finals. Though the Cubs fell one step short of retaining the regional crown, they return from Ethiopia with a secured AFCON slot and valuable insights into areas that require improvement ahead of the 2026 U17 AFCON. Focus now shifts to strengthening the squad for the continental challenge.

BY  NBS SPORTS