Uganda Hippos face Tanzania in U-20 AFCON qualifier semifinal

U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 
Cecafa Zonal qualifiers 2024
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 
Semifinals 
Today 
Uganda v Tanzania (3pm)
Burundi v Kenya (5pm)

The Uganda Hippos are set to face hosts Tanzania in the semifinals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the Cecafa region today at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams know that reaching the final guarantees them a place in next year's tournament in Ivory Coast, making this encounter crucial.

To reach the semifinals, Uganda topped Group B with seven points from three matches, securing victories against Burundi (4-1) and Ethiopia (3-0), and drawing 2-2 with South Sudan. Tanzania, on the other hand, qualified as the second-placed team in Group A with nine points from four matches. Unlike Uganda, who are still unbeaten, Tanzania has experienced defeat, having fallen 2-1 to Kenya in the group stages.

Uganda’s John Paul Dembe has been in impressive scoring form, netting four goals in three matches. He is currently tied with Kenya’s Kevin Wangaya and Burundi’s Christophe Ndayikengurukiye as the tournament's top scorers. Dembe's continued performance will be pivotal if Uganda is to overcome Tanzania, especially considering the home advantage.

Tanzania has also been prolific in scoring, having netted goals in all their matches, including a 7-0 thrashing of Djibouti, where forward Valentino Mashaka scored a hat trick. Uganda, who are the reigning champions of the Cecafa region, aim to defend the title and make a third consecutive final appearance in the tournament. They participated in the last two editions in Mauritius and Egypt in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

The other semifinal match will feature Kenya, who have been the tournament’s best team so far, battling against Burundi at Azam Complex Stadium.