CAF U17 Qualifiers: Uganda, Somalia advance to semis

CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers

Uganda 5 Kenya 0

Somalia 1 Sudan 0

Tuesday 

Uganda v Somalia

South Sudan v Tanzania

Uganda and Somalia have secured places in the semi-finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers.

Somalia, the reigning 2022 Zonal champions, achieved a narrow 1-0 win over Sudan in a tense Group B match at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.

Sakariye Mohamed scored the decisive goal in added time, sparking celebrations among the Somali fans.

Somalia’s assistant coach, Muqtar Ali, praised the team's determination, stating, "We are very happy that we kept strong and pushed on till we scored the vital goal."

South Sudan joined Somalia in the semi-finals from Group B.

In Group A, the Uganda Cubs delivered an emphatic 5-0 victory over Kenya to finish top.

Uganda scored three goals in the first half, with James Bogere converting an early penalty and adding a second before halftime.

Isima Mulala Magala also found the back of the net, securing a dominant first-half lead.

In the second half, Bogere completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute, capitalising on Kenya's defensive lapses.

Substitute Simon Wanyama sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 78th minute.

The finalists from the semi-finals will earn automatic qualification for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON in Ivory Coast.