Kenya will face Tanzania in the Zonal qualifiers of the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers, starting their journey in the tournament where South Sudan already recorded a significant win over Somalia. The event includes six teams vying for two slots to represent CECAFA at the AFCON, taking place next year in Ivory Coast. Coaches emphasize the importance of every match, treating them as finals to ensure success.
Kenya will commence their campaign in the Zonal qualifiers of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a match against Tanzania on Wednesday. The Group A fixture marks Day 2 of the tournament, following South Sudan’s clash with Sudan in Group B later at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium in Kampala. Kenya’s head coach, Salim Bab Ndarai, emphasized the importance of this opening match for setting the right momentum, stating, “We know facing Tanzania will not be an easy task because they already played and drew 1-1 with Uganda. My players know what this opening match means to us, and we shall go all out to try and get a win.” South Sudan’s coach, Nasir Yousif Hassan Bakit, also highlighted their determination not to underestimate any opposition, acknowledging the significance of treating each match as a final. The six-team qualifiers will culminate in the knockout stage on December 24, 2024, where two finalists will secure their places in the upcoming AFCON event in Ivory Coast. South Sudan has already set the tone by defeating Somalia 3-0 in their opening Group B encounter, while Uganda and Tanzania fought to a 1-1 draw in their match. The tournament will feature six competing teams, and the finalists will earn the opportunity to represent CECAFA at the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON next year.
The TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are an essential platform for young African football talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. This year, the CECAFA region is holding zonal qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda, featuring teams from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. Following the withdrawal of teams such as Burundi and Ethiopia, the competition format has adapted accordingly. The finalists from these qualifiers will proceed to the continental AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, which will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
In summary, the TotalEnergies U-17 AFCON qualifiers represent a critical opportunity for young athletes in the CECAFA region to compete and potentially advance to higher-level tournaments. The matches are tightly contested, with teams demonstrating a strong will to secure their places in the knockout stages. As the tournament progresses, the performance in these early matches will likely shape the eventual outcome for the competing teams.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
