By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan’s U-17 junior team suffered a 4-0 defeat to Tanzania in CECAFA U-17 Championship semifinals at Nakivubo Stadium on 24 December 2024.
Hussein Mbegu opened the scoring for Tanzania in the 15th minute, with Ng’habi Zamu doubling the lead in the 31st.
Before halftime, South Sudan captain Lazarus Laku missed a penalty, leaving them with a daunting task.
Juma Abushiri added a fourth goal for Tanzania early in the second half, securing their place in the final against hosts Uganda. Uganda had previously defeated Somalia 4-1 in the other semifinal.
The Bright Stars will now face Somalia in the third-place playoff at Nakivubo Stadium on December 27th. This is their first defeat in the tournament after winning both group games and topping their group.
South Sudan last faced Tanzania in the 2022 edition in Addis Ababa, where they eliminated their opponents and advanced to the final stages of the 2023 AFCON Championship in Algeria.