Uganda’s hopes of securing a place in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were dashed in a dramatic semifinal against Tanzania, as a late goal in extra time saw the hosts claim a 2-1 victory. The defeat means Uganda will not make a third consecutive appearance at the U20 AFCON.
The match, played in front of a passionate Tanzanian crowd, saw Uganda take the lead early in the second half. Just a minute after the break, Uganda Hippos Captain Toto Majub struck in the 46th minute to gain the advantage.
However, Tanzania, buoyed by the vocal home support, responded 15 minutes before full time, equalizing and sending the match into extra time.
Uganda came agonizingly close to retaking the lead in the 110th minute, but a goal was disallowed for handball.
With penalties looming, a defensive lapse in the 119th minute allowed Tanzania to score, securing their place at the U20 AFCON next year.
Uganda, the CECAFA Zonal defending champions, had entered the tournament with high hopes, having won the previous edition by defeating South Sudan.
However, the late goal sealed their fate, ending their run in this year’s competition and their quest for a spot at the 2025 U20 AFCON.
This defeat marks a bitter end to a campaign that had seen Uganda show promise throughout the group stages.
