Tanzania’s U-17 National football team, the Serengeti Boys, delivered a resounding performance to defeat South Sudan 4-0 in the semi-finals of the CECAFA Total Energies U-17 AFCON qualifiers.
This triumph marks Tanzania’s return to the AFCON finals after a five-year hiatus, having last participated in 2019 as hosts.
The match witnessed Tanzania’s dominance from the outset, with Hussein Mbegu heading in the opener in the 16th minute from a precise corner kick delivery.
Zamu Ng’habi doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, followed by Abel Samson’s strike three minutes later, effectively sealing the win.
Juma Abushiri added the final goal in the 50th minute with a sublime left-footed curler.
South Sudan’s sole scoring opportunity arose from a penalty in the 66th minute, but Abrahman Nassoro made a crucial save to deny the Junior Bright Stars.
Tanzania will now face the winner of the Uganda-Somalia match in the final on December 27, 2024.
This victory secures Tanzania’s third appearance at the AFCON finals, having previously participated in 2017 and 2019.
As CECAFA holds two slots for the U-17 AFCON finals in Morocco next year, Tanzania’s win guarantees their qualification, along with the tournament’s finalist.
