Uganda fell 3-2 to Tanzania in the CECAFA U17 final on Tuesday afternoon in Addis Ababa, but the Cubs left the Abebe Bikila Stadium with their main target secured after confirming qualification for the 2026 U17 AFCON.
Tanzania controlled the first half and scored all three of their goals before the break.
Uganda had started well and pulled level in the thirteenth minute through Thomas Ogema, who forced an error off a defender, skipped past another challenge, rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the far corner.
The response lifted the Cubs, who created more chances before Tanzania restored their lead and later stretched it.
Uganda pressed throughout the second half and kept the game alive in added time when Brian Olwa smashed in from close range to make it 3-2. The late push forced Tanzania deep, but Uganda could not find a final opening.
The Cubs had reached the final after a convincing 3-0 win over Ethiopia in the semifinal, with Lorian Lwesibawa scoring twice including a free kick, and Ogema adding the third.
That result sealed their slot at next year’s continental finals and continued their strong run at this level.
While the title defence ended one step short, the team leaves Ethiopia with qualification confirmed and a clearer picture of what needs to be refined ahead of the AFCON.
Attention now turns to building a competitive group for 2026.
