Tanzania overwhelmed Djibouti with a 7-0 victory in the AFCON U-20 CECAFA Qualifiers, bouncing back from a loss to Kenya. Four different players scored, led by Valentino Mashaka’s hat-trick. Sudan maintained their winning record with a 1-0 win over Rwanda, while Uganda secured a strong 3-0 victory against Ethiopia. The tournament features nine teams competing for qualification to the AFCON U-20 tournament.
In an impressive display, Tanzania secured a decisive 7-0 victory over Djibouti in their second Group A match of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers held at the KMC Stadium. This victory followed a previous defeat, wherein Tanzania lost 2-1 to Kenya. The hosts, demonstrating resilience and determination, sent a clear signal of intent by dominating the match. Valentino Mashaka’s second half hat-trick, combined with two goals from Sabri Kondo and one each from Jammy Jammy and Nickson Mosha, underscored Tanzania’s offensive prowess. Head Coach Charle Boniface Mkwasa expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this momentum in the upcoming matches. In another encounter at the Azam Complex, Sudan triumphed over Rwanda with a score of 1-0, maintaining their winning streak in the tournament thanks to a goal from Monzer Abdo Khamies Tiya. Sudan’s Coach Mohamed Ibrahim Awadalla Ali expressed contentment with his team’s performance and their pursuit of AFCON U-20 qualification. Meanwhile, Eric Nsimiyimana, the Rwanda coach, reflected on the missed opportunities that contributed to their defeat. Elsewhere, the defending champions Uganda commenced their campaign successfully with a 3-0 win against Ethiopia, where Coach Matia Lule acknowledged the vital need for consistency as they seek to defend their title. Additionally, Burundi claimed a narrow victory over South Sudan, further shaping the competitive landscape of the tournament.
The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers serve as a critical platform for young talents in eastern Africa to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the prestigious AFCON U-20 tournament scheduled for next year. The ongoing qualifiers, taking place in Tanzania, feature nine teams competing across two groups. The tournament format not only aims to identify emerging footballing talent but also provides an opportunity for national teams to prepare for continental competitions. The matches are keenly contested, with every game being pivotal for qualification aspirations.
Tanzania’s stunning 7-0 victory over Djibouti revitalizes their hopes in the AFCON U-20 CECAFA Qualifiers after a previous loss to Kenya. The performance displayed the depth and potential of the Tanzanian squad, as they aim to progress in the tournament. Sudan’s consistent form, coupled with Uganda’s confident start, emphasizes the competitive nature of the qualifiers, setting the stage for thrilling encounters in the coming matches. As teams vie for a place in the AFCON U-20 tournament, the intensity of the competition is expected to escalate.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com
