[9] Their final group match against South Sudan appeared to be less of a challenge than the previous two, as a brace from Brian Umony and goals from Robert Ssentongo and Hamis Kizza culminated in a 4–0 humiliation at the expense of the newcomers.

This time, Uganda managed to beat the Walya Antelopes 2–0 through a 6th-minute goal from Geoffrey Kizito and a 61st-minute cracker from Robert Ssentongo to book a place in the semi-finals,[11] where they faced local rivals Tanzania.

The second half brought the second and final goal of the match when 57th-minute substitute Clifton Miheso scored 9 minutes after his introduction to send the Bright Stars out of the tournament.

Interim coach James Nandwa consequently expelled them from the team, citing "gross misconduct",[14][15][16] and called in Bernard Mang'oli and Victor Ochieng as replacements.

However, a comeback was not to be for Ethiopia as David Ochieng also doubled his tally through a header from a free kick taken by left back Abdalla Juma to book a place in the quarter-finals against Malawi.

Leopards veteran Mike Baraza diverted Abdalla Juma's shot on goal by heading it the other way, leaving goalkeeper Charles Swini for dead and steering Kenya through to the semi-finals.

After ten minutes, however, captain Nadir Haroub headed Kevin Omondi's cross, intended for Mike Baraza, into his own net with goalkeeper Ally Mwadini off his line.

Uganda began the match in control of the game, and Kenya ultimately crumbled under the pressure of the Cranes' fierce attacks, when Robert Ssentongo's 26th-minute shot came off captain Anthony "Modo" Kimani's boot and flew into the net to give the hosts the lead.

Both teams fought for possession for virtually the rest of the match, and Gor Mahia forward Edwin Lavatsa could have equalised for the Harambee Stars before the half-time break, but his first-time shot from a through pass by Sofapaka midfielder Humphrey Mieno hit the post and went out for a goal kick.