Kenya Faces Tanzania in U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers Kick-off

Kenya begins their Zonal qualifiers for the AFCON by facing Tanzania, while South Sudan aims to continue their winning form against Sudan. Six teams compete, with the top two from each group qualifying for the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year. The tournament highlights key performances and preparations of the teams, setting the stage for thrilling encounters.

On Wednesday, Kenya will begin their journey in the Zonal qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by facing Tanzania. The Group A match marks the start of Day 2 of the competition, with South Sudan lining up against Sudan in Group B later in the day at Nakivubo Hamz Stadium, Kampala. Kenya’s head coach, Salim Bab Ndarai, emphasized the significance of this match as it will set the tone for their campaign. He acknowledged Tanzania’s prior draw with Uganda, stating, “We know facing Tanzania will not be an easy task because they already played and drew 1-1 with Uganda. My players know what this opening match means to us and we shall go all out to try and get a win.” In contrast, South Sudan, who convincingly defeated Somalia 3-0 in their first match, aims to maintain their momentum against Sudan. Their coach, Nasir Yousif Hassan Bakit, expressed his determination for victory, stating, “We are determined to register our second win so that we can top the group and wait for the knock-out stage.” The tournament features six teams competing for two slots in the U-17 AFCON in Ivory Coast next year, imposing significant pressure on all teams to perform exceptionally in every match.

In the tournament opener, South Sudan surpassed Somalia 3-0, showcasing their skills and resilience. Despite Somalia initially showing promise, South Sudan took the lead with a stunning long-range shot from Shakir Antacio. They extended their advantage just before half-time through a goal from Panon Jou, and later sealed the victory with a free-kick from Lazarus Peter George Laku. Bakit remarked on his team’s composure under pressure: “I am happy that my team managed to contain the pressure by Somalia and later score three goals.”

The tournament is structured with two groups, following the withdrawal of Ethiopia and Burundi. Group A comprises Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, while Group B includes Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Matches will occur from December 15 through 27, 2024, at a single venue in Kampala. The preparation and performance of all teams are closely watched, underscored by the necessity for passing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) eligibility tests, which all participating teams have successfully completed.

Additionally, the announcement of entry fees has been made, establishing a fee of Shs30,000 for VIP seats and Shs10,000 for ordinary seats, ensuring that fans can witness this significant competition as teams vie for continental representation. The competition remains fiercely competitive, promising thrilling encounters in the days to come as teams aim for glory amidst intense rivalries and ambitions of qualifying for the U-17 AFCON.

The Zonal U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, organized by CECAFA, features six teams vying for two available spots in the U-17 AFCON to be held in Ivory Coast the following year. The tournament is crucial for young footballers looking to showcase their talent on a larger stage. With historical rivalries among participating teams such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, the competition unfolds in a high-stakes atmosphere. This year’s event follows the withdrawal of Ethiopia and Burundi, leading to a refined tournament format. The group stages and subsequent knock-out rounds are pivotal not only for regional pride but also for the opportunity to compete internationally, specifically in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which the AFCON also serves to qualify for.

The Zonal U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers present a compelling display of emerging football talent in Africa, featuring notable teams like Kenya and South Sudan. As the tournament progresses, the matches will be crucial in determining which teams will qualify for the U-17 AFCON in Ivory Coast. Coaches have underscored the importance of each match, emphasizing performance under pressure and strategic play to secure victories. With the competition intensifying and regional rivalries coming to the forefront, fans can anticipate thrilling encounters in this significant developmental platform for young athletes in African football.

Original Source: cecafaonline.com