DAR ES SALAAM — Uganda’s U-20 national team, the Hippos, defeated Sudan 1-0 on Saturday to qualify for the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers in Tanzania.
Amour Munogera scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute, as Uganda secured victory at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The victory gave Uganda a perfect record in Group B, with three points from each of their two matches. The Hippos had opened their campaign with a 4-1 victory over Djibouti before overcoming Sudan.
Munogera broke the deadlock after beating the offside trap and finishing past Sudan goalkeeper Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud.
Sudan had chances to score, including efforts from Galal Omer and Waheed Shandi, but Uganda’s defence held firm to preserve the lead. Goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye also made an important save during the first half.
Uganda finished top of Group B with six points, five goals scored and one conceded, according to tournament reporting. Sudan also advanced to the semi-finals as one of the four teams reaching the knockout stage.
The semi-final line-up is now complete, with Uganda facing Sudan again on Tuesday, September 22, while hosts Tanzania will take on Burundi in the other semi-final at Uhuru Stadium.
The tournament is serving as the CECAFA regional qualifier for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027. The two finalists will qualify for the continental tournament.
CAF confirmed that Tanzania is hosting the regional qualifiers from September 15 to 24, bringing together nine teams from the CECAFA region.