Uganda's CECAFA qualification hopes hinge on Burundi stopping Somalia

Uganda needs Burundi to stop Somalia from winning in order to secure the CECAFA qualifiers for the CAF African Football Championship in the boys’ category.

Currently, Uganda tops the five-team table with six points from four matches. However, their fate is no longer in their hands after second-placed Somalia edged Rwanda 2-1 yesterday, bringing Somalia to four points with a game in hand. Having completed their fixtures, Uganda could be overtaken if Somalia secures a victory over Burundi.

A Somali win would elevate them to seven points, pushing Uganda into second place and effectively crowning Somalia as champions with a ticket to represent the CECAFA region in next year’s final tournament at a venue yet to be announced by CAF.

Uganda had an opportunity to secure their qualification but squandered it with a goalless draw against Burundi in their final match yesterday.

This result opened the door for Somalia to re-enter the race. Uganda’s campaign has been characterized by inconsistency, with three goalless draws against Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, and a lone 2-1 victory over Somalia.

In the girls’ category, Uganda remains in contention, tied on four points with Tanzania after two matches, with Burundi trailing at three points. The final round of matches today will determine the champions and representatives in this category as well.

Uganda will face already-eliminated Rwanda, while Tanzania takes on Burundi, who still have hopes of qualification. For Uganda to emerge as champions, they must not only beat Rwanda but also achieve a superior goal difference, while hoping Burundi prevents Tanzania from winning. Tanzania currently holds the advantage with a better goal difference of four over Uganda.

Annastanzia Mbeiza of St. Noah Uganda vies for the ball with Fatuma Khamis of Tanzania. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Uganda’s journey so far includes a goalless draw with Tanzania and a 2-1 victory over Burundi. Meanwhile, Tanzania has impressed with a 5-1 thrashing of Rwanda and a goalless draw against Uganda.

CAF African Schools Football Championship

CECAFA Qualifiers.

Yesterday Results

Boys

Burundi 0 Uganda 0

Somalia 2 Rwanda 1

Uganda 0 Tanzania 0

Burundi 0 Rwanda 0

Girls

Burundi 3 Rwanda 0

Uganda 0 Tanzania 0

Today’s fixtures

Boys

Somalia v Burundi, 10am

Tanzania v Rwanda, 12am

Girls

Rwanda v Uganda, 9am

Tanzania v Burundi, 11am