Sudan beat Uganda Hippos 3-2 at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday to qualify for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
Uganda took an early lead in the seventh minute when skipper Richard Okello finished unmarked past Sudan goalkeeper Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud.
Rudman Yahya Mohamed Ishag equalised for Sudan shortly after, tapping in at the near post following an assist from Osman Ameen Abdalla Manzal.
Sudan captain Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri put his side ahead two minutes into the second half after a solo run and a wall pass with Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo.
Derrick Ssozi drew Uganda level in the 65th minute, beating the goalkeeper at the near post from Hakim Wandera's low cross.
Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr restored Sudan's lead in the 78th minute with an assist from captain Elbadri to seal the victory.
Uganda suffered a double injury blow late on as Amoura Munogera and another player limped off.
The result means Sudan reach their maiden U-20 AFCON while Uganda Hippos must settle for the third-place playoff.
How Uganda Hippos lost the CECAFA U-20 semifinal
Uganda conceded three goals from individual errors and missed a clear offside call on Ssozi's disallowed equaliser, leaving the Cranes' age-group side to regroup for the bronze medal match.
Match facts
- Competition: CECAFA U-20 Championship semifinal
- Venue: Uhuru Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
- Result: Sudan 3-2 Uganda
- Sudan scorers: Rudman Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr
- Uganda scorers: Richard Okello (7'), Derrick Ssozi (65')
- Uganda disallowed goal: Derrick Ssozi (60', offside)
- Key moment: Elbadri solo run and assist for Taowr's winner
- Outcome: Sudan qualify for U-20 AFCON 2027; Uganda to play third-place playoff
Watch the Highlights
Source: Kawowo Sports
