AFCON U-17 qualifiers
Tanzania, South Sudan storm semis in Zonal U-17 AFCON qualifiers
Tanzania and South Sudan have booked slots in the semi-final stage at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda.
The Tanzania team defeated Kenya 1-0 in the first Group A match, while South Sudan saw off Sudan 1-0 in a Group B tie all played at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium on Wednesday.
In the first match Juma Sagwe netted the lone goal for Tanzania after 19 minutes. He capitalized on a well taken Juma Abushiri pass to slot the ball past Kenya’s goalkeeper Golan Odiwuor.
The two sides continued to create several scoring opportunities, but failed to convert. After recess Kenya intensified their search for goals, but failed to break the Tanzanian defending line.
After 80 minutes Kenya’s Lukonde Mwale came close to leveling matters, but the Tanzanian goalkeeper Abrahman Nassoro parried the ball out of danger.
Aggrey Morris Ambros, the Tanzania coach said he was proud of his team that has made it to the next stage. “I am happy that we have qualified for the semi-final stage and now we need to prepare well for the next stage,” added the Tanzanian coach who team settled for a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Uganda on Sunday.
In the second match South Sudan made sure they maintained their unbeaten run.
Lazarus Peter George Laku netted his second goal of the tournament after 33 minutes. He past Sudan’s goalkeeper Mamadu Mohamed Musa Ali at close range.
The Sudan team tried to reorganize themselves with Faisal Omer Mohamed Mustafa and Sami Hassan Idris Koko getting some opportunities in-front of goal and failing to take them.
South Sudan finished top of Group B with six points and now await the knock out stage.
Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit, the South Sudan coach said that his boys took their chance and won with one goal to qualify for the next stage. “We know there is still a lot of work to do s we prepare for the semi-final,” added the coach.
Action returns on December 21st with Somalia facing Sudan in a Group B match, while hosts Uganda take on Kenya in a Group A tie.