Tanzania overpower Kenya to secure U-17 AFCON spot and final clash with Uganda

Tanzania beat Kenya 3–1 to reach the 2026 U-17 African Cup of Nations. The U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zone Qualifier semifinal between Tanzania and Kenya was played earlier today at the Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Tanzania U-17 came into the tie with a perfect record, but it was Kenya who started the tie on a bright note. They could have taken the lead through a penalty kick, but Tanzanian goalie Haji Abdallah saved the effort. Tanzania took the lead in the 20th minute with a header from Nhingo Luzelenga. Star player Luqman Mbalasalu doubled the lead at the half-hour mark with a swift counterattack.

The quality difference between the two teams made it difficult for Kenya to get back into the tie, as they struggled to create scoring chances. Armstrong Omondi pulled one back six minutes before time, giving Kenya a lifeline. Second-half substitute Soann Shabani struck from close range deep into stoppage time as Tanzania booked a semifinal date against Uganda.

The 2024 edition runners-up will be hoping to dethrone Tanzania, but they have already qualified for the 2026 U-17 AFCON. Kenya will play hosts Ethiopia for the third-place finish and to book the last spot for the U-17 AFCON from the CECAFA region.

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