2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 qualifiers):
- Semi-finals (Tuesday, 22nd September):
- Uganda U-20 Vs Sudan U-20 (12:30 PM)
- Tanzania U-20 Vs Burundi U-20 (4:00 PM)
- Uhuru Stadium, Dar-es-saalam city – Tanzania
The Uhuru Stadium in the heart of Dar-es-saalam city in Tanzania will not be a place for a feint hearted on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026 as the semi-final clashes for the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship are played.
This will also be a direct contest for the two slots of the CECAFA zone for the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON U-20 due in Accra, Ghana.
The early kick off on Tuesday has Uganda against Sudan at half past noon.
This will be a repeat of the group B clash played on Saturday where Uganda gritted its teeth to overcome Sudan 1-0 courtesy of Amour Munogera’s goal.
Uganda topped group B with the maximum six points, 5 goals scored and 1 conceded. Sudan was the best second place country after the group stages.
“Same teams, same players but different stage of the competition and therefore different approach. It will be a very competitive contest” Uganda’s Laryea Kingston, the head coach envisaged the contest.
“We shall give it our best for the we know what is at stake. Sudan has mature players but we are ready for the challenge” the Ghanaian added.
Uganda will back on the expertise of goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye, defender Gilbert Ogenrwot, John Owino (holding midfielder), playmaker Isima Magala Mulala, winger Elvis Opakrwoth and skipper Richard Okello for inspiration.
Sudan has several key players; Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (goalkeeper), Osman Ameen Abdalla Manzal (defender), captain Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri (midfielder) and forward Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr to look for.
“We look forward a good match as it is like final before the final” Sudan U-20 head coach Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed remarked.
The other semi-final will come later at 4 PM when the hosts Tanzania shall face Burundi.
Tanzania, like Uganda and Burundi, also finished with maximum six points with 7 goals scored and none conceded.
Burundi topped group C with maximum points.
Bashiri Salum Kibaila and the big forward Juma Sagwe, who scored each a brace during the 4-0 victory over Ethiopia will be the star players to watch for Tanzania.
Burundi’s talisman Amini Nshimirimana, the current tournament top scorer with four goals as well as Sympathique Majidi (two goals) will once again be in the limelight. The two winners of the semi-finals clashes will qualify for the final tournament to be staged in Ghana.
