Hippos' 2025 U-20 AFCON dreams dashed by extra-time defeat to Tanzania

U-20 Africa Cup of Nations
Cecafa zonal qualifiers
Friday
Semifinal result
Uganda 1 Tanzania 2

Uganda Hippos’ hopes of reaching the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations ended on Friday after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to hosts Tanzania in the semifinals of the Cecafa Zonal Qualifiers at KMC Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

The match was decided deep into extra time when substitute Jimmy Simba capitalized on a defensive lapse by Louis Anguti, whose misjudged clearance landed perfectly in Simba's path.

The Tanzanian forward calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd.

Uganda initially took the lead early in the second half through captain Mujub Toto but struggled to maintain their momentum throughout the match. Tanzania consistently looked the better side, dominating possession and putting pressure on the Ugandan defense. The turning point came in the 71st minute when Sabri Kondo's powerful shot rebounded off the right post, only for the ball to deflect off unlucky Ugandan goalkeeper Abdu Magada and into the net, leveling the score for Tanzania.

Although Uganda appeared to have scored a second goal through substitute Denis Kisiriko in the 80th minute, it was controversially ruled offside. Replays suggested Kisiriko may have been marginally offside, a decision that ignited protests from the Ugandan technical bench. Towards the end of the second half of extra time, it seemed both teams were destined for a penalty shootout. However, Uganda's defense faltered in the dying moments, and Simba dribbled past Anguti to fire a low shot beyond Magada, sending Tanzania to the final.

The defeat not only ended Uganda's run in the tournament but also denied them a chance to defend their CECAFA title, which they won in 2022, and eliminated them from qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. By press time, Kenya was set to face Burundi in the other semifinal, with the winner meeting Tanzania in Sunday’s final. Both the champions and runners-up will book slots in the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations finals, with the host nation yet to be announced by CAF.