Kenya will face Tanzania in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers at KMC Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Both teams have qualified for the 2025 tournament, but aim to claim the regional title. Kenya previously defeated Tanzania 2-1 in the group stage. Key players include Kenya’s Wangaya and Kibet, and Tanzania’s Kusengama. The match also marks the opportunity for individual awards, and both teams seek to solidify their momentum ahead of the AFCON U-20 competition.
Kenya is poised to face Tanzania once again in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers, scheduled to take place at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have already secured their qualifications for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament, yet they are determined to clinch the regional title. Kenya aims to conclude their impressive campaign on a high note, especially after defeating Tanzania 2-1 in their previous encounter just over a week ago. Having remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, apart from a draw against Rwanda, Kenya is looking to continue their successful run. Head Coach Salim Babu acknowledges the challenges posed by the Tanzanian team, who will be motivated for victory following their earlier defeat. Babu emphasized, “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 rebounded since their loss to Kenya, will look to capitalize on their momentum following four consecutive victories, including a victory over Uganda in the semifinals. Head Coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa expressed his optimism, stating, “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title.” Tanzania will benefit from the return of star striker Valentino Kusengama, who has been suspended but shines with four goals in the tournament. For Kenya, key players such as forwards Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, along with midfielders Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja, have been instrumental, each contributing significantly with goals. The final match will not only determine the regional champion but will also see individual accolades awarded for top scorer, best player, and best goalkeeper among others. Moreover, this tournament serves as a qualification pathway for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is set to occur in Chile. The CAF is anticipated to announce the host nation for the next AFCON U-20 on October 22 during the General Assembly in Addis Ababa. In the earlier match of the day, Uganda will compete against Burundi for the third-place title at KMC Stadium.
The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers represent a crucial stage in the buildup to the continental tournament and the subsequent opportunity to compete on the global stage at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Teams like Kenya and Tanzania, marked by their historical rivalry and recent performances, have shown particular prowess in the CECAFA qualifiers, making the upcoming final a significant event. The structure of the qualifiers allows for both teams to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, creating further stakes in the pursuit of regional supremacy. This context enhances the competitive spirit between the two teams and underscores the importance of the final match in deciding the regional champion and providing a platform for individual talents.
As Kenya and Tanzania prepare to clash in the final of the CAF U-20 AFCON CECAFA qualifiers, both teams are set not only to vie for the regional title but also to affirm their strong performances leading up to this match. With both sides showcasing determination and skill, this final promises to deliver an exciting contest. The match not only highlights the rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania but also serves as a precursor to their upcoming participation in the larger AFCON tournament in 2025, underscoring the significance of this final encounter.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
