South Sudan and Tanzania players in action during their CECAFA U17 semi-final match. The Bright Starlets fell 4-0 and will now compete in the third-place playoff.

South Sudan’s run at the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship ended on Sunday following a 4-0 semi-final loss to tournament hosts Tanzania.

Tanzania took control early, opening the score line in the 16th minute through Bahati Kizanguzi. The hosts doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Harrier Juma found the back of the net, sending South Sudan into the halftime break trailing 2-0.

Tanzania maintained their momentum in the second half. Yasinta Kaluwa extended the lead to 3-0 in the 67th minute, before the hosts added a fourth late in the game to secure their spot in the tournament final.

Backed by a home crowd, the Tanzanians controlled possession and capitalized on defensive gaps, testing the young South Sudanese backline throughout the 90 minutes.

Despite the semi-final exit, the tournament marks a milestone for the Bright Starlets, who made history by navigating a tough group stage to reach the knockouts for the first time.

The tournament provided the young squad with critical international match experience, though the loss exposed areas where the team needs work, particularly in defensive organization against high-pressing opponents.

South Sudan still has a chance to leave the tournament with silverware. The Bright Starlets will face the losers of the second semi-final in the third-place playoff later this week to compete for the bronze medal.