U-17 AFCON: Tanzania’s Serengeti Boys begin campaign with dominant win

Tanzania made a strong start to their 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Mozambique in a Group C match played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 11 in Morocco.

The young Tanzanian side produced a disciplined and confident performance to secure three important points as they continue their quest to qualify beyond the group stage for the first time in the country’s history.

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams showing attacking intent in the opening minutes. Mozambique attempted to press forward early, but Tanzania gradually settled into the contest and looked more dangerous going forward.

The Serengeti Boys opened the scoring in the 26th minute through striker Dismas Athanasi. The forward received the ball just outside the penalty area before firing home a brilliant strike. The goal was initially checked by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) before eventually being confirmed, sparking celebrations among the Tanzanian players and bench.

Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 35th minute after a costly mistake by Mozambique defender Pascoal Demi. The defender attempted to pass the ball back to goalkeeper João Jofrisse, but the ball slipped past the keeper and rolled into the net for an own goal.

After the break, both coaches made several tactical changes, but it was Tanzania head coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu whose substitutions appeared to have the greater impact.

In the 63rd minute, Razaki Mbengelendi added the third goal with a wellntaken header to seal an important victory for Serengeti Boys and underline their attacking quality.

 

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The win gives Tanzania three points at the top of Group C. Mali and Angola each have one point after the two sides played out a goalless draw earlier in the day.

Serengeti Boys will now shift focus to their second group stage match against Angola U17 on May 17 at 16:00 EAT.

Tanzania arrived in Morocco determined to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time after previous appearances in 2017, 2019 and 2025 ended in the group phase.

With more FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification slots now available for African teams, the Serengeti Boys will be aiming to establish themselves among the continent’s rising football nations.

Their strong opening display against Mozambique has already sent an encouraging message that Tanzania could become one of the surprise packages of the tournament.