Kenya and Tanzania will meet in the CECAFA qualifiers final for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at KMC Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Both teams have qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament and are vying for the regional title. Kenya previously defeated Tanzania 2-1 in the group stage, while Tanzania is seeking redemption. The match is set to highlight key players from both sides as individual awards will also be presented.
Kenya will be competing against the host nation, Tanzania, in the finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have successfully secured their places in the forthcoming 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament but remain eager to claim the regional championship. As Kenya seeks to complete an impressive performance in the CECAFA qualifiers, they aim to consolidate their winning momentum following a recent victory over Tanzania. The teams previously met in their group stage, where Kenya triumphed with a 2-1 score. Tanzania, on the other hand, is focused on avenging their earlier defeat on home territory. Throughout the tournament, Kenya’s journey to this final has been marked by notable successes, including a decisive 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals. Their only draw occurred against Rwanda in the group stage, yet they have otherwise secured wins in all other encounters. Head Coach Salim Babu has acknowledged the heightened challenge that Tanzania presents, particularly as they will be motivated by the desire for revenge. “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win,” stated Babu, who oversees both the Rising Stars and Kenya Police in the FKF Premier League. Tanzania rebounded swiftly from their group stage loss to Kenya, going on to win four consecutive matches, including a semi-final victory against Uganda. Coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa has expressed optimism regarding their chances in light of lessons learned from their prior confrontation with Kenya, remarking, “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title.” The Tanzania squad will be bolstered by the return of key striker Valentino Kusengama, who is back from suspension. Kusengama has tallied four goals in the tournament while teammate Sabri Kondo leads the team with five goals. Kenya will depend on the scoring prowess of forwards Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, both of whom have netted four goals, as well as midfield contributions from Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja. In addition to competing for the championship, players will also vie for individual honors, including the top scorer, best player, best goalkeeper, and the Fair Play Award. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile. The announcement regarding the host nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 will occur on October 22 during the CAF General Assembly in Addis Ababa. Earlier in the day, Uganda is set to face Burundi for the third-place playoff, also taking place at KMC Stadium.
The UEFA U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers represent an essential pathway for teams in the region to compete on both continental and global stages. The tournament not only allows young players to showcase their talents but also establishes their national teams’ standings in African football. The competition format is designed to influence the teams’ qualifications for major tournaments, specifically the AFCON U-20 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The ongoing rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania, marked by their recent encounters, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this final match-up, as both teams look to solidify their legacies in youth football in East Africa.
In conclusion, the AFCON U-20 CECAFA qualifiers final presents an exciting confrontation between Kenya and Tanzania, both of whom have demonstrated their skills and determination throughout the tournament. With both teams eager to claim the regional title, anticipation builds for this rematch at KMC Stadium. Players and coaches alike are preparing for a fiercely competitive encounter, underscoring the significance of this event in shaping the future of football in the region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
