Seth Mapoli
May 12, 2026U-17 AFCON: Serengeti Boys step up preparations ahead of opener
U-17 AFCON: Serengeti Boys step up preparations ahead of opener
The Tanzania U-17 national team have continued intensifying preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) in Morocco, with the squad holding training sessions at the Lydex 2 ground in Rabat ahead of their opening Group C match against Mozambique on May 14.
The young Tanzanian side has now shifted full focus to the tournament after completing two important international friendly matches in Casablanca against Cameroon and Ivory Coast.
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The Serengeti Boys began their preparations on a high note with an impressive 3-1 victory over Cameroon, a result that boosted confidence within the camp. Goals from Sadam Hussein, Razaki Mbengelendi, and Abbas Said secured the win in a performance that highlighted the team’s attacking quality and determination.
However, Tanzania later suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast in another friendly encounter, a match that head coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu described as an important learning experience ahead of the competition.
Speaking ahead of the group stage matches, Nsanganzelu said the friendly games helped his players understand the intensity and quality required at the continental level.
“The important thing was the preparation process,” said Nsanganzelu. “We faced teams with a high football level, great speed, and strong pressure. These are the conditions we expect in the tournament, so the matches gave us valuable lessons.”
The coach admitted that the gap in physicality and match intelligence between some of Africa’s top youth teams and East African football remains a challenge, but he believes his squad has made significant progress during camp.
“There are many positives we have seen from the players. The big work is already done, and now our focus is on the first match against Mozambique,” he added.
Tanzania have been drawn in a competitive Group C alongside Mali, Angola, and Mozambique. After opening their campaign against Mozambique, the Serengeti Boys will face Angola on May 17 before concluding the group stage against Mali on May 20.
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U-17 AFCON kicks off on Wednesday
The 2026 edition of the U-17 AFCON features 16 teams divided into four groups, with the tournament bringing together some of the continent’s most talented young players. Fixtures from Group A and Group B begin the tournament on Wednesday, May 13.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, hopes are growing that the Serengeti Boys can make a stronger impact this year and move beyond the group stage for the first time in the competition’s history.
