Uganda Hippos Secure 3-1 Comeback Win Over Burundi to Claim Bronze in CECAFA U-20 AFCON Qualifiers

Uganda’s U-20 team, the Hippos, delivered a strong performance to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Burundi in the third-place playoff of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, held at the KMC Stadium in Tanzania. This triumph not only earned Uganda a bronze medal but also marked a positive end to their AFCON qualification campaign.

The match began with an early setback for the Hippos as Burundi struck first in the 5th minute. Ramazani Hakizimana was the scorer, sending the Ugandan side on the back foot and putting them under pressure. However, the Hippos showed resilience, bouncing back strongly as the first half drew to a close.

In added time, Uganda managed to equalize in dramatic fashion. Abubakali Walusimbi, who had been introduced off the bench earlier, found the back of the net in the 47th minute, just two minutes into stoppage time, to send the teams into the break level at 1-1. The goal was a crucial moment for Uganda, giving them renewed hope and momentum heading into the second half.

Despite their narrow 2-1 loss to hosts Tanzania in the semi-finals, which ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 U-20 AFCON, Uganda can be proud of their bronze-medal finish at this regional tournament. Their impressive group-stage performances had seen them top Group B with seven points, defeating Ethiopia 3-0, thrashing Burundi 4-1, and drawing 2-2 with South Sudan. Although they fell short against Tanzania in the semi-finals, the Hippos’ spirited effort in the third-place playoff reflected their quality and determination.

The second half saw Uganda take full control of the game, and much of their success can be credited to striker John Paul Dembe, who was central to their comeback. Dembe, who was later crowned the tournament’s top scorer, was a constant threat to Burundi’s defense. In the 62nd minute, he scored his first of the game, putting Uganda ahead 2-1 and giving them the lead for the first time in the match.

Dembe would add another goal in the 78th minute, sealing the victory and his brace for the game. With his second goal, Dembe took his tally to six goals in the tournament, securing the golden boot as the competition’s leading scorer. His contributions were pivotal throughout the tournament, including his earlier brace against Burundi in the group stages, which had been a key factor in Uganda’s 4-1 victory over their neighbors.

Dembe’s six goals outshone Tanzania’s Sabri Kondo, who finished with five goals, cementing Dembe’s status as one of the standout players of the tournament. His performances were a bright spot for the Hippos, providing hope for Uganda’s future as they look to build on this promising talent going forward.

As Tanzania celebrated their victory over Kenya in the final to claim the regional crown, both Tanzania and Uganda will now turn their focus toward the future. While Uganda will not be participating in the 2025 U-20 AFCON, their third-place finish and strong showing in the qualifiers underscore their growing strength in youth football.

For the Hippos, the tournament provided both triumph and disappointment, but their resilience and individual brilliance, especially from Dembe, ensure that Uganda’s U-20 side remains a force to reckon with in African football.