The Uganda Cubs were defeated 3–2 by Tanzania U-17 in the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final played on Tuesday afternoon at the Abebe Bikila Stadium. Despite the loss, the Cubs achieved their primary objective by securing qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 through their place in the final.
Tanzania started the match strongly and took control early, scoring all three of their goals during the first half. Uganda responded with determination, equalising in the thirteenth minute through Thomas Ogema, who finished calmly after pressing hard a Tanzania defender who had recieved a poor pass from his goalkeeper a few meters off the penalty area, dribbled off another defender and the goalkeeper too before slot home the ball at the far side of goal. The goal lifted the Cubs’ confidence, and they enjoyed a positive spell, creating opportunities before Tanzania restored their lead and added a third before the interval.
Uganda continued to push for a comeback in the second half, maintaining pressure in attacking areas and creating several openings. Their persistence was rewarded in the sixth minute of added time when Brian Olwa struck a powerful finish to reduce the deficit to 3–2. Despite this late spark, the Cubs were unable to find an equaliser, with Tanzania holding on to secure the victory.
The Cubs had earned their place in the final following a commanding 3–0 victory over hosts Ethiopia in the semifinal. Lorian Lwesibawa scored twice, including a well-struck free-kick in the seventy-eighth minute, while Thomas Ogema added the other goal. That win not only confirmed Uganda’s qualification for next year’s U-17 AFCON but also reinforced the team’s strong record at this level.
