CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers
Final
Today,3:30pm
Uganda v Tanzania
Abebe Bikila Stadium in Ethiopia
The Uganda Cubs return to the spotlight on Tuesday with a mission that stretches beyond lifting silverware. Their CECAFA U17 Championship final against Tanzania in Ethiopia offers a chance to restore pride, avenge a recent setback, and underline their long-standing regional dominance.
Uganda’s primary objective in Ethiopia had already been sealed days earlier qualification for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations U17. That milestone was achieved in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3-0 semifinal victory over hosts Ethiopia, courtesy of a Lorian Lwesibawa brace and a clinical finish from Owen Mukisa.
This achievement guarantees Uganda a seat at next year’s AFCON U17 in Morocco, as the competition rewards the top three teams both finalists and the bronze-medal winner.
Yet the journey to this final has been anything but straightforward. With the ‘A’ team recently returning from Qatar after the FIFA U17 World Cup, this second squad stepped into the tournament with lower expectations and a new coach, Laryea Kingston, guiding them through unfamiliar terrain.
A week ago, Tanzania handed Uganda a stinging 2-1 defeat in the group stages—a loss that provided today’s final with an added layer of urgency and motivation.
Coach Kingston, however, remains calm and grounded as he prepares his young side for the rematch.
“We respect Tanzania as a team because they are one of the best in this tournament, but my team is well prepared,” he said ahead of the showdown.
Reflecting on the campaign, the Ghanaian tactician praised the squad’s maturity and appetite for growth.
“From the first whistle, the boys showed intelligence, eagerness to learn and the ability to be well coached. That has been the most encouraging part of this journey,” Kingston added.
Tanzania enter the final with an unbeaten record, having swept aside every opponent, including a strong 3-1 win over Kenya in the semifinals. Their form and earlier victory over Uganda make them a formidable rival.
But the Cubs are no strangers to high-stakes battles. They are defending CECAFA U17 champions, having edged Tanzania 2-1 at Nakivubo the last time these sides met in a final.
This time, the reward is double-edged: redemption and renewed regional authority. The stage is set. The story awaits its ending.
Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the Cubs to really show what they’re made of! It’ll be great to see them go for that regional crown.