Kenya and Tanzania are set to clash in the CECAFA final for the CAF U-20 AFCON qualifiers at KMC Stadium, Dar es Salaam. Both teams have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament, aiming to win the regional title. Kenya previously defeated Tanzania 2-1 in a group stage match and seeks to remain unbeaten. Tanzania is determined to avenge that loss, making for an exciting final.
Kenya is preparing to compete against the hosts Tanzania in the finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Both teams have secured their entries for the upcoming 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament but are eager to claim the regional title. This eagerly awaited final serves as a rematch of their previous encounter in Group A, where Kenya achieved a 2-1 victory. Looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament, the Kenyan squad is determined to conclude their impressive run with a victory, while Tanzania aims to redeem themselves after their earlier defeat on home soil. Kenya’s journey to the final included a notable 4-0 triumph over Burundi in the semi-finals, contributing to their impressive run, which, aside from a goalless draw with Rwanda, comprises victorious matches. Salim Babu, head coach of the Rising Stars, acknowledged the challenges posed by Tanzania but expressed his confidence in the team’s preparation and resolve. “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win,” asserted Babu, who also manages the Kenya Police in the FKF Premier League. Tanzania, having rallied after their group stage defeat, won their next four matches, culminating in a 2-1 semifinal victory against Uganda. Head Coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa is optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing the lessons learned from their previous encounter with Kenya: “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title,” according to Cecafaonline.com. Tanzania will regain the services of their star striker Valentino Kusengama, who has netted four goals during the tournament, along with Sabri Kondo, who leads the team with five goals. Meanwhile, key Kenyan forwards Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, who have both scored four goals, along with midfielders Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja, will be vital to their success in clinching the title. In addition to the championship, individual accolades such as the tournament’s top scorer, best player, best goalkeeper, and the Fair Play Award will be awarded. This tournament also acts as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to occur in Chile. It is expected that the CAF will reveal the host nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 during its General Assembly in Addis Ababa on October 22. Prior to the final, Uganda will contend against Burundi for third place at the same venue on the same day.
The CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a continental tournament bringing together national teams from Africa at the under-20 level. The CECAFA qualifiers serve as a regional selection process for the tournament, allowing teams from East and Central Africa to compete for a spot in the continental tournament. The significance of this final lies not only in the immediate title but also in the qualification for the prestigious AFCON U-20 tournament as well as the potential pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
In summary, the final of the CECAFA qualifiers between Kenya and Tanzania represents a highly competitive clash, rekindling the recent rivalry shared by the two teams. Each squad is eager not only to claim the regional title but also to capitalize on their prior successes to bolster their position heading into the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament. With critical players returning for both teams and a commitment to excellence, this final is poised to deliver exceptional football.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
