Kenya U17 will face off against Tanzania U17 in the semi-final of the CECAFA U17 tournament at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Sunday afternoon.
This highly charged East African derby is the most crucial match of the tournament for both nations, as the winner secures a guaranteed qualification slot for the 2026 U 17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The CECAFA region has been allocated three qualification slots for the AFCON Tournament.
By reaching the semi-finals, both Kenya and Tanzania are one win away from sealing their place in Morocco, as the winner qualifies directly, while the loser will compete in the 3rd-place playoff for the final qualification spot.
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Tanzania U17 vs Kenya U17 preview
Tanzania enters the match as the clear favorite as they are the only team in the entire tournament to maintain a 100% winning record, securing the top spot in Group B with four wins out of four, scoring 24 goals that included an 11-0 humbling of Djibouti and conceding only once against defending champions Uganda.
On the other hand, Kenya’s Junior Stars’ journey was tougher, defined by close contests, including a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against Rwanda and a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Ethiopia in the group decider, while conceding three goals in the four matches played.
The Serengeti boys will be banking on Luqman Ally Mbalasalu, who is the tournament’s top scorer with six goals to his name, as well as versatile forward Dismus Athanasi who has netted four in the competition.
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On the other hand, the Junior Stars have placed their trust in Trevor Nasasiro, an explosive winger that has contributed to second-half power coming off the bench, including a late winner against Rwanda in the group stage.
Kenya’s head coach William Muluya says the fixture will offer the boys a chance to do their part.
“I am very happy that we did the job to qualify for the semi-finals. We now shift focus to facing Tanzania, which will demand tactical discipline and mental resilience from the Junior Stars.
As a Kenyan team, we have that fighting spirit in us. What we want to do is give everything on the pitch,” he said.
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On his part, Tanzania head coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu says the nature of the tournament doesn’t allow for mistakes.
“Our mission is clear – qualify for AFCON and win this tournament. That is the standard we are chasing. We must be sharper in our finishing because knockout matches are unforgiving,” he noted.
Hosts Ethiopia will play defending champions Uganda in the other semi-final at the same venue, with the winner progressing to the final on December 2.