Sudan stun Tanzania on penalties to claim historic CECAFA U-20 crown

Sudan were crowned CECAFA Under-20 champions for the first time after defeating hosts Tanzania 4–3 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw in the final at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

The result completed a historic campaign for Sudan, who secured their first-ever qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations before going on to lift the regional trophy.

Sudan and Tanzania will represent the CECAFA region at the 2027 continental finals in Ghana.

The final remained goalless after 90 minutes despite chances at both ends, with Tanzania goalkeeper Shabani Bakari and Sudan’s Mustafa Fahoud making important saves.

Sudan eventually broke the deadlock three minutes into extra time when substitute Omer Hamdi headed home following a free-kick.

Tanzania refused to surrender and were rewarded in the 113th minute when substitute Abdulnasir Abdallah, known as Casemiro, converted a pass from Farid Mzalendo to level the contest.

With neither side able to find a winner during the remaining extra-time minutes, the championship was decided from the penalty spot.

Tanzania converted their first two attempts, but misses by Bashiri Kibaila and Faraji Kayanda proved decisive.

Humaida Ahmed scored Sudan's winning penalty as the Sudanese players celebrated their maiden CECAFA U-20 title.

Sudan’s success capped a remarkable turnaround. They entered the knockout stage as the best-ranked runner-up after losing 1–0 to Uganda in the group stage.

They then eliminated Uganda 3–2 in the semi-finals, with Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, captain Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri and Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr scoring for Sudan.

For Tanzania, the defeat ended a strong home campaign.

The defending regional champions had won all three of their previous matches without conceding, scoring nine goals against Rwanda, Ethiopia and Burundi before meeting a determined Sudan side in the final.

Uganda secured the bronze medal, beating Burundi 2–0 in the third-place play-off earlier on Thursday.

Derrick Ssozi opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa sealed third place late in the match.

Uganda goalkeeper Adrian Isabirye also played a key role, making several saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Among the standout performers of the tournament was Burundi captain Amini Nshimirimana, who entered the final day as the leading scorer with four goals.

Tanzania’s Juma Abushiri, Faraji Kayanda and goalkeeper Shabani Bakari were also prominent figures during the hosts’ run to the final, while Sudan’s Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr and captain Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri played decisive roles in their semi-final victory.

Sudan midfielder Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr was named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 U-20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers after helping Sudan secure the regional title, while Tanzania goalkeeper Shaban Bakari was awarded Best Goalkeeper.

Burundi striker Amini Nshimirimana finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, while Tanzania’s U-20 side, the Ngorongoro Heroes, received the Fair Play Team award.

The nine-team tournament featured Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Djibouti.

The two finalists earned the region's qualification places for the 2027 U-20 AFCON in Ghana.