Kenya will face Tanzania in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers final at KMC Stadium. Both teams have qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament. Kenya aims to continue their unbeaten streak after a previous victory against Tanzania and a strong semi-final win over Burundi. Tanzania, looking for redemption after their earlier defeat, has won four consecutive matches. Key players from both teams are set to play a critical role in this decisive encounter, which also serves as a pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Kenya faces Tanzania in a highly anticipated clash at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam for the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers. Both teams have already qualified for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament but are now focused on securing the championship title. Kenya aims to cap off their impressive run, having defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their prior group stage match and overcoming Burundi 4-0 in the semi-finals. Despite a goalless draw against Rwanda, they remain unbeaten through the tournament. Coach Salim Babu acknowledges the rivalry, stating, “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win.” Tanzania, eager for redemption, bounced back from their previous loss to Kenya, winning their last four matches, including a notable 2-1 win over Uganda in the semi-finals. Their head coach, Charles Boniface Mkwasa, expressed optimism about their prospects, stating, “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title.” Notably, star striker Valentino Kusengama returns from suspension to bolster their attack. Individual accolades will also be up for grabs, recognizing the tournament’s top performers while the matches are crucial in serving as qualifiers for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup set to take place in Chile. The announcement regarding the hosting nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 is scheduled for October 22 at CAF’s General Assembly in Addis Ababa. Today, the third-place playoff will take place at the same venue, featuring Uganda against Burundi.
The CECAFA qualifiers are a crucial step for teams vying for a place in the AFCON U-20 tournament, which showcases emerging football talents in Africa. This year’s competition has drawn attention as Kenya and Tanzania, two historically competitive teams in the region, have both secured their spots in the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament scheduled for 2025. The match serves not only as a contest for regional supremacy but also highlights the growing football talents from these nations, each vying to make an impact on the continental stage and beyond. The context of this final is further enriched by the teams’ previous encounters, which set the stage for an intense rivalry.
In conclusion, today’s final between Kenya and Tanzania in the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers represents more than just a match; it is a culmination of hard-fought battles to reach this stage. Both teams, having secured qualification for the upcoming AFCON U-20 tournament, now aim to claim the regional title, underpinned by their recent performances and strategic preparations. As they take to the pitch today, there is much at stake for both sides, and the outcome will not only determine the champion of the CECAFA region but also set the tone for their respective journeys towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
