Uganda and Tanzania meet this afternoon in the final of the CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia, with kickoff set for 3:30 PM.
The fixture is a repeat of last year’s final, which Uganda won 2-1, but Tanzania arrive as the form team of this tournament.
Both sides have already secured qualification for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and this game will settle the regional title.
Tanzania reached the final with a strong record, having won all five matches in the group stage and beating Kenya 3-1 in the semifinal.
Nhingo Juma, Luqman Ally and Soann Shabani scored in that win, continuing a run of consistent finishing and control in the attacking third.
They also beat Uganda 2-1 in the group stage, a result that provides a clear reference point heading into today.
Uganda responded to that setback by handling the hosts, Ethiopia, in the semifinal, winning 3-0 through two goals from Lorian Lwesibawa and one from Thomas Ogema.
The Cubs also leaned on captain Owen Mukisa and the midfield options provided by Travor Mubiru, Henry Muhoozi and Ismail Fahad.
Their performance against Ethiopia reflected better structure and sharper movement in the attacking phases than earlier in the group.
Last year’s final went Uganda’s way, but Tanzania carry the stronger run of results this time.
Uganda have shown they can adjust and produce under pressure, while Tanzania arrive with rhythm and a perfect record.
The matchup sets up a competitive finish to the regional qualifiers, with the title and gold medals on the line this afternoon.
