AFCON U20: Kenya, Tanzania clash again in CECAFA Zonal qualifiers final

Kenya will aim to conclude their remarkable campaign in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers with a win against hosts Tanzania in the final at KMC Stadium, Dar es Salaam this afternoon.

The highly anticipated final is a rematch of their Group A clash from just over a week ago. Kenya emerged victorious in that encounter and now hopes to remain unbeaten in the tournament, while Tanzania is keen to avoid another loss on home soil.

Both teams have already secured their spots in the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament by reaching the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers, according to competition rules.

Kenya’s road to the final saw them beat Tanzania 2-1 in the group stage before overpowering Burundi 4-0 in the semi-finals. Apart from a goalless draw with Rwanda in the group stage, Kenya has won all their matches.

Rising Stars head coach, Salim Babu, is aware of the challenge posed by Tanzania but remains confident in his team’s readiness. “Tanzania will want revenge, which makes the final tougher, but we’ve prepared well, and the players are determined to win,” said Babu, who also manages Kenya Police in the FKF Premier League.

Tanzania has bounced back from their group stage defeat to Kenya by winning their next four matches, including a 2-1 victory over Uganda in the semi-finals. Head coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa is optimistic about their chances after learning from their previous meeting with Kenya. “We are happy to have qualified for AFCON U-20, but now we’re focused on winning the title,” Mkwasa told Cecafaonline.com.

Tanzania will also welcome back star striker Valentino Kusengama, who returns from suspension. Kusengama has scored four goals in the tournament, while Sabri Kondo leads the team with five.

For Kenya, key forwards Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet, both with four goals, along with midfielders Andres Omondi and Hassan Beja, will be crucial to their chances of securing the title.

Besides the championship, individual awards will be presented for the tournament’s top scorer, best player, best goalkeeper, and the Fair Play Award. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, to be held in Chile.

CAF will announce the host nation for the 2025 AFCON U-20 on October 22 during its General Assembly in Addis Ababa.

Earlier today, Uganda will face Burundi in the third-place play-off at the same venue.

Today’s Matches (KMC Stadium)

• Uganda vs. Burundi, 12 pm
• Tanzania vs. Kenya, 3 pm