Kenya will confront Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, where both teams have already secured their places in the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament. Kenya is riding high after previous victories over Tanzania and Burundi, while Tanzania looks to recover from past losses. Key players from both sides are set to impact the match as they compete not only for the title but also for individual accolades. The final is pivotal as it also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Kenya U-20 national football team is poised to compete against the Tanzanian U-20 team in the final of the CECAFA qualifiers for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have successfully qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament and are now vying for the regional championship title. Kenya is keen to solidify their impressive performance in the qualifiers, having won all but one of their matches thus far. Their previous match against Tanzania resulted in a 2-1 victory during the group stage. Kenya’s path to the final also featured a dominant 4-0 win over Burundi in the semifinals, while their only setback was a draw with Rwanda. Head Coach Salim Babu expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, highlighting the challenge of facing a determined Tanzanian side. He stated, “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win.” On the other hand, Tanzania, having learned from their earlier loss to Kenya, has rebounded impressively by winning their subsequent four matches, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Uganda in the semifinals. The team’s head coach, Charles Boniface Mkwasa, is optimistic about their prospects in the final, affirming, “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title.” Tanzania will also benefit from the return of key player Valentino Kusengama, who has scored four goals in the tournament despite missing a previous match due to suspension. Additionally, Sabri Kondo is the team’s leading scorer this tournament with five goals. For Kenya, forward Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, both having scored four goals each, coupled with midfielders Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja, will be critical to the team’s success in the final. Beyond the championship, individual accolades will be awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, best player, best goalkeeper, and the Fair Play Award. Moreover, the qualifiers also serve as a pathway to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce the host nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 during its General Assembly in Addis Ababa on October 22. Before the final, the third-place playoff match between Uganda and Burundi is scheduled to be held at the same venue, beginning at noon.
The CECAFA qualifiers for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations are crucial tournaments that determine which teams qualify for the continental championship and subsequently the FIFA U-20 World Cup. During these qualifiers, national U-20 teams from Eastern and Central Africa compete for supremacy, with stakes not only for regional glory but also for advancement to the larger tournament that eventually leads to global competition. The matches are essential in fostering young talent and providing exposure to international football.
In conclusion, the final between Kenya and Tanzania represents a significant clash in the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, with both teams already qualified for the AFCON U-20 tournament. Each team aims to capture the regional title, with Kenya seeking to maintain their unbeaten run and Tanzania eager for redemption after their earlier defeat. The match is expected to showcase outstanding young talent and has implications beyond just the trophy, as it serves as a stepping stone towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The anticipation surrounding the match is palpable as the players prepare for what promises to be an intense and competitive showdown.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
