Tanzania claimed a dominant 7-0 victory over Djibouti in the U-20 AFCON CECAFA Qualifiers, rebounding from an earlier loss. Valentino Mashaka scored a hat-trick, leading the team to a decisive win. Sudan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda, while Uganda triumphed 3-0 over Ethiopia. The qualifiers, featuring nine teams, determine representation at the AFCON U-20 tournament, increasing the stakes for all participants.
In an impressive display during the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers, Tanzania achieved a resounding victory over Djibouti, winning with a score of 7-0 in their second Group A match. This match took place at the KMC Stadium as Tanzania sought to recover from their previous 2-1 defeat to Kenya. The standout performer of the match was Valentino Mashaka, who scored a hat-trick in the second half, while Sabri Kondo contributed two goals, alongside strikes from Jammy Jammy and Nickson Mosha. Subsequently, Tanzania’s head coach, Charle Boniface Mkwasa expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I am happy that we have recovered to win with a big score.” In another match at the Azam Complex, Sudan secured a 1-0 victory against Rwanda, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament. Sudan’s coach, Mohamed Ibrahim Awadalla Ali, voiced contentment with their performance, highlighting their objective to qualify for the AFCON U-20 tournament. In Group B, Uganda also started their campaign strongly, defeating Ethiopia 3-0, with coach Matia Lule emphasizing the importance of maintaining their winning momentum. Other results noted include South Sudan’s loss to Burundi and Kenya’s earlier victory over Tanzania, underscoring the competitive nature of the qualifiers, which will determine the teams representing the zone at the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers are a critical prelude to the U-20 AFCON tournament, showcasing young football talent from across the CECAFA region. The tournament, featuring nine teams, is designed to conclude with the top two teams qualifying for the AFCON U-20 competition scheduled for next year. The matches not only serve as avenues for young athletes to display their skills but also as platforms for national teams to build their future squads. The competitive nature of the qualifiers is heightened by the involvement of past champions, which adds an intense atmosphere to each match as teams aim to secure their positions.
The recent matches in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA Qualifiers have highlighted the fierce competitiveness and rising talent within the participating nations. Tanzania’s monumental victory against Djibouti, coupled with Sudan’s unassailable performance, illustrates the high stakes of this tournament. As teams continue to vie for qualification, the upcoming fixtures promise to deliver more excitement and showcase the potential of young athletes in the region. Coaches remain optimistic about their teams’ prospects, aiming for a successful run in pursuit of AFCON U-20 qualification.
Original Source: cecafaonline.com