Two teams from the CECAFA Zone Ethiopia and Uganda have battled through to secure FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifier play-off slots.

The two teams battled to secure valuable points in their last group matches on Tuesday at the on-going TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.

Uganda Cubs converted a late penalty through Arafat Ibanda to secure a 2-2 draw against Group B table leaders Cote d’Ivoire and book a place in the plat-off.

Koudougnon Brebo gave Code d’Ivoire the lead after 25 minutes, but Henry Muhoozi leveled matters 15 minutes later. With 11 minutes to full time Souleymane Kone netted the second goal for the West Africans, but Uganda were lucky to get a penalty and convert it.

Although they failed to qualify for the quarter final stage of the U-17 AFCON, Uganda Cubs finished third in the group to secure the play-off place for the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifier against the team that will finish third in Group D.

Ethiopia who were on the brink of elimination also netted late through substitute Amir Misbah. Ethiopia who finished third with 4 points behind Morocco and Egypt will now face the third placed team in Group C in the play-off for a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

Tanzania who play their last Group C match against Mali have already qualified for the quarter final stage of the AFCOn U-17 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

The top two teams in each of the four groups earn direct qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026, while the other two slots are determined via a playoffs.

A total of 10 teams will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

Tanzania have booked a place in the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Serengeti Boys secured their placed after recoring a second consecutive win at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

They opened their campaign with a 3-0 win against Mozambique in Group C few days ago, and followed up with another similar score against Angola on Sunday.

Razaki Mbegelendi gave Tanzania the lead in the first half, while Hassan Kazingo and Sadam Hamis added two second half goals to make sure Serengeti Boys maintained their 100% winning run.

On Saturday CECAFA’s other two teams Uganda and Ethiopia suffered defeats. Uganda lost 1-0 to Cameroon in a Group B match, while Ethiopia fell 2-1 to hosts Morocco in a Group A contest.

Ethiopia and Uganda will return to action in their last group matches on May 19^th against Tunisia and Ivory Coast respectively. Tanzania will play their last Group C match against Mali on May 20^th.

The top two teams in each of the four groups earn direct qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026, while the other two slots are determined via a playoffs. A total of 10 teams will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

Tanzania have kick started their 2026 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a winning note.

 The Serengeti Boys humbled Mozambique 3-0 their opening Group C match played on Thursday evening at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 11 in Rabat, Morocco.

Dismas Athanasi gave Tanzania the lead after 26 minutes with a well taken shot close from goal. The goal was initially checked by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) before eventually being confirmed.

Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 35th minute with an own goal by Pascoal Demi. The Mozambique defender’s back pass slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Joao Jofrisse.

In the second half the Mozambique team pushed forward and tried to find goals, but failed to find the gaps.

“The team played well and we shall continue working hard in every match,” said Tanzania’s head coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu after the match.

After 63 minutes Razaki Mbengelendi netted the third goal for Tanzania with a well time header.

The Serengeti Boys of Tanzania are top of Group C after the match between Mali and Angola ended goalless. Tanzania will return to action on May 17^th against Angola.

Uganda and Ethiopia are the other two teams from the CECAFA Zone battling in the AFCON U-17 in Morocco. A total of 10 teams from the AFCON U-17 will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.

A 10-man Uganda Cubs side have made a winning start in the 2026 TotaIEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicked off today in Rabat, Morocco.

The CECAFA side humbled debut making DR Congo 3-0 in their opening Group B match played at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on T8 ground.

Midfielder Own Mukisa gave Uganda the lead after 37 minutes, and Nicholas Kawooya made it 2-0 at the stroke of half time.

The DR Congo team returned charged and tried to push forward, but failed to tame the Ugandan defending line. Uganda had Trevor Mubiru sent-off, but the Cubs still added a goal by substitute Abulshakur Bobi.

“I am very happy that my team was disciplined and managed to score three goals in the opening match,” said Uganda’s head coach Laryea Kingston.

Uganda are now top of Group B after Cote d’Ivoire also defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the earlier match of the same group.

Another CECAFA side Ethiopia started their campaign with a goalless draw against Egypt in a Group A match.

The CECAFA U-17 reigning champions Tanzania will take to the field on Thursday in a Group C match against Mozambique.

The top two teams in each of the four groups earn direct qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026, while the other two slots are determined via a playoffs. A total of 10 teams will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026.