The Serengeti Boys stopped Australia U-17 to complete their campaign in the 4-Nation China International Youth Football Tournament on a high.

Hamisi Chenga and Sadam Hussei each netted a brace, while Razaki Mbengelendi netted the other as Tanzania defeated Austarlai U-17s team 5-2 in match played at the Yinchaun Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium on Saturday.

The Serengeti Boys started the campaign with a 3-2 win against Nigeria 3-2, and followed it up with a 2-0 victory against hosts China.

Tanzania, the runner-ups at the CAF U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) used the invitational tournament to prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 to take place in December.

Elieneza Nsanganzelu, the Tanzania U-17 head coach said that he was happy with the way his team treated each match in the Invitational tournament.

“We have learnt some lessons and we shall keep working hard to improve ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup,” added Nsangazelu.

The Serengeti Boys have continued to impress at the on-going 4-Nation China International Youth Football Tournament.

After stopping Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match, the Tanzania U-17s humbled hosts China 2-0 in a match played on Wednesday.

Tanzania, the runner-ups at the CAF U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), controlled much of the match with pace and physicality.

After Hasani Mussa Kizinga struck the crossbar from a 38th-minute penalty, he made amends just before halftime with a long-range strike to give Tanzania the lead.

China showed greater attacking intent after the break but struggled to break down Tanzania’s organized defense. Tanzania had a goal disallowed for offside in the 69th minute before Dismas Shida Athanasi capitalized on a defensive error deep into stoppage time to seal the victory.

China’s coach Bin Ukishima credited Tanzania for their good speed, physical strength, individual quality and tactical discipline posed major problems for his side.

“Tanzania gave us valuable World Cup-level experience. It was a very useful simulation match,” said Ukishima.

In the second game Nigeria U-7s suffered a 4-2 defeat to Australia. The tournament will end on July 11th as Tanzania face Australia and China take on Nigeria.

Tanzania are using the 4-Nations Invitational tournament to prepare ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 to take place in December in Qatar.

The world Football body, FIFA has selected Rwanda among the nations that will host the FIFA Series in 2026.

FIFA confirmed that several countries including Rwanda and Mauritius from Africa for the men’s category will host the FIFA Series 2026 to take place during the international match window in March and April.

The FIFA Series for both men and women offers national teams from different continents a unique platform to compete and connect beyond their traditional confederation boundaries.

Last year Tanzania was the only team from the CECAFA Zone that played in the first edition of the FIFA Series that also featured Bulgaria, Mongolia and Azerbaijan.

“The FIFA Series is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football’s universality and diversity through meaningful matches. The 2026 edition will further enhance that impact for men’s and women’s football alike,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The men’s FIFA Series will be hosted by Rwanda, Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan. The women’s FIFA Series will debut with events in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

The FIFA Series is aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, which focus on creating more opportunities for competitive balance, technical growth and cross-continental exchange.

Uganda Cubs settled for a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in their first match of the U-17 Dubai Youth Challenge played on Thursday night.

The two teams using the tournament to prepare ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar completed the first half goalless at the Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club.

Forward James Bogere put Uganda ahead after 52 minutes with a neat finish after picking up Isima Mulala Magala’s good pass.

But the South American team did not give and pushed forward before they leveled matters after 74 minutes.

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo said although his team missed several scoring opportunities, he is happy with the what they expressed themselves.

“Despite the missed chances I am very happy as a coach to see how the boys have been coordinating on the pitch through combination play, mobility, making runs and building from the back through the middle third to the final third,” he added.

Uganda Cubs will next face Panama on Sunday, and complete against Paraguay on October 28^th.

Uganda will be the only nation from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Zone that will appear in the FIFA U-17 World Cup slated for November 3-27th in Qatar.

Uganda Cubs are placed in Group K together with Chile, Canada and France.