Sudan reach Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after dramatic win over Uganda

Sudan have qualified for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after beating Uganda 3-2 in the semi-finals of the East and Central Africa qualifiers.

Tanzania also secured their place at the tournament after reaching the final alongside Sudan. The competition will be held in Ghana in February 2027.

The regional qualifiers featured nine teams, divided into three groups.

Tanzania, the hosts, were drawn with Ethiopia and Rwanda in Group A. Group B contained Uganda, Sudan and Djibouti, while South Sudan, Kenya and Burundi made up Group C.

The three group winners advanced to the semi-finals, together with the best runner-up. Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda finished top of their respective groups, with Sudan progressing as the best second-placed team.

Sudan were drawn against Uganda in the semi-finals, while Tanzania faced Burundi. Sudan and Tanzania both won their respective matches to reach the final and confirm their qualification for the continental tournament.

Sudan had lost 1-0 to Uganda during the group stage, but the Falcons of Jediane overturned that result in a thrilling semi-final victory.

The qualification marks the fifth time Sudan have reached the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Their previous appearances came in 1982, 1997 and 2017.

Sudan also qualified for the 1993 edition but withdrew before the competition began.

How qualification works

The African qualifiers for the U-20 Cup of Nations are divided into six regions: North Africa, two West Africa groups, Central Africa, East and Central Africa, and Southern Africa.

Two teams from each region qualify for the tournament.

The North Africa qualifiers are being staged in Ismailia, Egypt, with Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya taking part.

Egypt’s youth team is managed by Wael Riyad.

The team competed at the most recent Under-20 World Cup under Osama Nabih but were eliminated in the group stage.