Tanzania defeat Kenya to win CECAFA U-20 title

Hosts Tanzania are the winners of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers.

The Ngorongoro Boys put up a spirited fight to defeat Kenya 2-1 in the final played at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

After a well-balanced first half that ended goalless, the Kenyan team got off their blocks first after recess to score through Hassan Kitsao after 48 minutes. He capitalized on a well placed Aldrine Kibet through pass to place the ball past Tanzanian goalkeeper Anthony Mpemba.

The home side pushed forward and pinned the Kenyan defending line. After a defensive lapse with the Kenyan defenders failing to clear their lines, Valentino Kusengama netted his fifth goal of the tournament after 64 minutes to make it 1-1.

The Ngorongoro Boys continued to dominate play in the midfield and gave no room for the Kenyan attacks to get space. With the clock ticking away Sheikhan Khamis put Tanzania ahead with a well taken shot from outside the box that the Kenyan goalkeeper failed to stop. It was all celebration for the Tanzanian team after the final whistle as they also celebrated revenge against the Kenyan team that beat them by the same score in the group stages.

Elias Lameck, the Tanzania captain said they are proud of lifting the national flag high and qualifying for AFCON U-20 and also winning the title. “We thank all Tanzanians for the support,” he added.

In an earlier match Uganda came from a goal down to defeat Burundi 3-1 in a play-off to determine the team that finishes third. Ramazani Hakizimana netted after 5 minutes for Burundi, But Abubakali Walusimbi leveled matter two minutes into added time of the first half. After recess John Dembe took matters into his hands to score a brace to guide Uganda to victory.

The winners received a trophy and medals, while the runners up and third placed also received medals. The finals were also graced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 3rd Vice President, and Chairman of the CAF Youth Football Organizing Committee, Suleiman Waberi.

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and CECAFA President Wallace Karia together with Burundi Football Federation (BFA) President, Alexandre Muyengye, Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (President Eritrea National Football Federation (ENFF), and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) President Augustino Maduot Parek also attended the final.