AFCON U20: Kenya and Tanzania Set for CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers Final

Kenya will face Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers for the U-20 AFCON today at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament but are eager to secure the regional title. This match serves as a rematch of their recent encounter in the group stage, where Kenya emerged victorious. Key players from both teams will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the final, with individual awards at stake as well.

Kenya is poised to compete against Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament, yet they remain committed to securing the regional championship title. This highly anticipated match serves as a rematch from their previous Group A encounter, where Kenya secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Now, Kenya aims to maintain their unbeaten streak in the tournament, while Tanzania seeks to redeem itself following the defeat on home ground. Kenya’s journey to the final included a significant win against Tanzania and a convincing 4-0 victory against Burundi in the semi-finals. Apart from a goalless draw against Rwanda earlier in the tournament, Kenya has emerged victorious in all their matches. Head coach Salim Babu recognizes the challenge posed by Tanzania but expresses confidence in his team’s preparation. He stated, “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win.” In contrast, Tanzania has rebounded from their earlier loss to Kenya, winning their subsequent four matches, including a semi-final victory against Uganda. Head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa shared his optimism about their chances after learning from their prior encounter. He remarked, “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title.” The match will see the return of Tanzania’s key striker Valentino Kusengama, who has been suspended. Kusengama has netted four goals in the tournament thus far, while teammate Sabri Kondo leads the team with five goals. For Kenya, significant contributions are expected from forwards Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, both of whom have scored four goals, in addition to midfielders Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja. Apart from the regional title, individual accolades will be awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, best player, best goalkeeper, and the recipient of the Fair Play Award. Furthermore, this tournament acts as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to announce the host nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 on October 22 during its General Assembly in Addis Ababa. Prior to the final, Uganda will contest against Burundi in the third-place playoff at the same venue.

The CECAFA Zonal qualifiers for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a regional tournament that determines the best under-20 teams from Eastern and Central Africa. It serves as a qualifier for the AFCON U-20 tournament and the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. This year, the tournament has featured several competitive matches, showcasing emerging talent in African football. Kenya and Tanzania have both demonstrated strong performances, securing their places in the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament, and now seek to claim the regional title in their final match.

In summary, the final match between Kenya and Tanzania promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams strive to secure the CECAFA Zonal qualifier championship title. With both teams already qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament, the stakes are high for regional supremacy, featuring a blend of individual talents each eager to make their mark. The match is poised to be a memorable conclusion to a well-fought tournament.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke