Sudan have secured qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after coming from behind to beat Uganda 3-2 in a dramatic semi-final in Tanzania.
The Sudanese side overturned an early deficit at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday to win the first semi-final of the CECAFA Zonal qualifier.
The result means Sudan have booked their place at the 2027 CAF U-20 AFCON, while they now turn their attention to Thursday’s final.
Uganda made the stronger start and needed only seven minutes to take the lead. Richard Okello put his side ahead, giving Sudan an early setback in the opening stages of the contest.
Sudan responded almost immediately, however, with Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag finding the equaliser just three minutes later.
The two sides continued to press forward as they looked for another breakthrough, with both teams creating a number of chances before half-time. Neither could add to the score, leaving the teams level at 1-1 at the interval.
Sudan began the second half with greater urgency and were rewarded soon after the restart.
Just two minutes after the break, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taoer put Sudan in front. He finished from close range, beating Uganda goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye to give his team a 2-1 advantage after 47 minutes.
Uganda refused to surrender their hopes of reaching the final and continued to challenge Sudan.
Their efforts eventually paid off in the 65th minute when Derrick Sssozi restored parity. His goal brought Uganda back into the contest and set up a tense final period, with both teams still in contention for victory.
Sudan, though, found a decisive response late in the match.
With seven minutes remaining in normal time, Albahi Taoer scored again to put Sudan back in front at 3-2. The goal proved crucial as Sudan held on to secure victory and, with it, qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The result completes a comeback victory for Sudan, who had fallen behind twice during the match but ultimately produced the decisive moment in the closing stages.
Sudan will now prepare for the final of the CECAFA Zonal qualifier on Thursday. Their opponents will be determined by the second semi-final, which is scheduled to be played later on Tuesday.
Burundi and hosts Tanzania are due to meet in that second semi-final, with the winner set to face Sudan in Thursday’s final.
For Uganda, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching the final despite twice taking the match to level terms after Sudan had moved ahead.
Sudan’s victory, meanwhile, gives them an opportunity to finish their qualifying campaign with another win after already doing enough to secure their place at the continental tournament in 2027.
