Uganda and Tanzania are set for another high-stakes showdown this afternoon as they clash in the final of the CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers at Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila Stadium, with kick-off slated for 3:30 PM.
It’s a familiar script. The two neighbours contested last year’s final, Uganda edged it 2-1, but the dynamics have shifted dramatically. Tanzania enter this edition’s decider as the tournament’s most polished and in-form side, while Uganda arrive with renewed confidence after a shaky start.
Both nations have already punched their tickets to the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, so today’s duel is all about regional supremacy and a chance to close the qualifiers with silverware in hand.
Tanzania’s path to the final has been nothing short of emphatic. They breezed through the group with five straight victories before putting three past Kenya in the semifinals. Nhingo Juma, Luqman Ally and Soann Shabani were on target in that 3-1 win, underlining Tanzania’s ruthless efficiency and their growing reputation as the most consistent attacking force in the competition.
They also hold a psychological edge, having already beaten Uganda 2-1 in the group stage.
Uganda, however, have shown resilience in their response. After the loss to Tanzania, the Cubs regrouped and delivered a commanding 3-0 semifinal victory over hosts Ethiopia. Lorian Lwesibawa struck twice, while Thomas Ogema added the third, sealing a performance marked by improved organisation and much sharper interplay in the final third.
We won it last year. We fight for it again today.
U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final 🏆
Tanzania vs Uganda — 3:00 PM#U17AFCONCQ pic.twitter.com/YjTjWi2rMK— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) December 2, 2025
Captain Owen Mukisa has anchored the side with authority, supported by the industrious midfield trio of Travor Mubiru, Henry Muhoozi and Ismail Fahad.
Where last year Uganda entered the final as favourites, this time it is Tanzania who carry the momentum, a perfect record, a settled rhythm and a frontline in confident mood. Yet the Cubs have made a habit of rising in decisive moments, and their tactical adjustments since the group stage suggest they will not be overawed.
With both teams already bound for continental action, today’s clash is the last chapter of the regional qualifiers, and it promises to be fiercely contested, emotionally charged and worthy of the rivalry it extends. The gold medals await whichever side can hold its nerve under the Addis Ababa afternoon sun.
