Taifa Stars of Tanzania have suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liechtenstein in a Group B match of the FIFA Series played at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday.

Tanzania looked the better side in the first half with Seleman Mwalimu rounding off the Liechtenstein goalkeeper, but failed to score, and later Feisal Salum’s effort rattled the post.

After recess the lowly ranked Liechtenstein (204^th) returned strongly to put up a good defensive and attacking display.

In the second half, the lowly ranked the Europeans’ strong defensive display continued, but they were also lethal on counterattacks.

After a fast break forward Ferhat Saglam finished well on a one on one situation with Tanzanian goalkeeper Aishi Manula to make it 1-0.

Tanzania tried to fight back strongly to find the goals Morice Abraham coming close, but to no avail.

Liechtenstein will now face Aruba in the final on Saturday. Aruba defeated Macau 4-1 in an earlier match played at the same Stadium. Tanzania will also take on Macau in the play-off match on Saturday.

Meanwhile, action shifts to Group A with Kenya facing Estonia, while hosts Rwanda battle Grenada in matches to be played at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday.

Eight teams will participate in the FIFA Series 2026 slated for March 25-30^th in Kigali, Rwanda.

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series, with Rwanda staging two groups at the Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pele Stadium.

Fabrice Shema Ngoga, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has made it clear hosting this FIFA Series is a good opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s ability to stage a Football International event.

“We are very optimistic that the country will stage a successful FIFA Series and we shall also learn several things,” added Ngoga, also recently elected Executive Member of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).

The Amavubi of Rwanda under the guidance of new coach Stephen Constantine will kick start their campaign with a match against Grenada on March 27^th, the same day Kenya battle Estonia in Group A at the Amahoro Stadium.

Group B will kick start the event with Aruba facing Macau, while Tanzania take on Liechtenstein at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Thursday.

The winners in each group will face off in the final match, while the losers also battle to conclude the International friendly Series.

Group A: Rwanda, Kenya, Estonia, Grenada

Group B: Aruba, Macau, Tanzania, Liechtenstein

Kenya and Rwanda have named their provisional squads ahead of the FIFA Series to take place March 25-30^th in Kigali, Rwanda.

Benni McCarthy, Kenya’s head coach a few days ago named a 23-man squad which also includes professional players. Rwanda’s newly appointed coach Stephen Constantine also announced his squad on Monday.

The Harambee Stars will face Estonia in the first match on March 27^th at the Amahoro Stadium. They will play either Rwanda or Grenada in the second match on March 30^th.

In Pool B Tanzania will face Liechtenstein, while Aruba take on Macau.

Fabrice Shema Ngoga, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) said that they are happy to be hosting the FIFA Series. “Hosting the FIFA Series will give us a good opportunity on gaining more experience on hosting International competitions,” added Ngoga.

The matches in the FIFA Series will provide the teams from the CECAFA Zone Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania good exposure to build towards major continental assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya squad

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno

Defenders: Frank Odhiambo,  Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino, Zak Vyner,  Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Chris Erambo, Manzur Suleiman

Forwards: Austine Odhiambo, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng,  Mohammed Bajaber, Zech Obiero, Clarke Oduor, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth

Rwanda squad

Goalkeepers: Ntwari Fiacre, Bigirimana Hugo, Niyongira Patience, Hakizimana Adolphe

Defenders: Mutsinzi Ange, Manzi Thierry, Kavita Phanuel Mbaya, Nshiniyimana Yunus, Imanishimue Emmanuel, Niyomugabo Claude, Byiringiru Jean Gilbert, Uwumukiza Obed

Midfielders: Mugisha Bonheur, Bizimana Djhad, Samuel Gueulette, Muhire Kevin, Kalisa Sven, Ruboneka Jean Bosco, Sahabo Hakim, Uwineza Rene

Forwards: Mickes Joy Slayd, Ndayishimiye Karl Matteo, Nshuti Innocent, Mickels Joy Lance, Biramahire Abeddy, Byiringiro Lague, Kwizera Jejea, Mickels Lerey Jacques, Kury Johan Marvin, Niyo David, Mugisha Gilbert

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam congratulated Gianni Infantino upon making 10 years as President of FIFA.

In his message Andemariam, also President of the Eritrea National Football Federation (ENFF) credited Infantino for playing a pivotal role in developing Football further since he became President 10 years ago.

“On the occasion of your 10th anniversary as President of FIFA, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation for a decade of visionary leadership and transformative progress,” said Andemariam.

The CECAFA President said over the past ten years, Infantino’s unwavering commitment to global football development has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. “Under your stewardship, FIFA has expanded its reach, modernized its governance, and championed initiatives that have empowered football communities across all continents-from growing the Women’s World Cup to advancing youth development and infrastructure in emerging football nations,” he added.

While thanking Infantino for his passionate service to the world’s most beloved sport, Andermariam also reminded the FIFA President that his leadership has inspired a new era for football-one defined by unity, opportunity, and boundless potential.

Infantino was first elected to the FIFA presidency on February 26^th, 2016. He was re-elected on June 5^th, 2019 and again on March 16^th, 2023.