Tanzania overcomes early deficit to beat Kenya in CECAFA U20 final

Hosts Tanzania staged a comeback to defeat Kenya’s Rising Stars 2-1 in the AFCON U20 CECAFA region qualifiers final, held at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday afternoon, securing the regional title.

Tanzania reached the final after a 2-1 win over Uganda in the semifinals, while Kenya earned their spot by thrashing Burundi 4-0. Both teams had already qualified for next year’s AFCON U20 before the final showdown.

Earlier in the tournament, Kenya had beaten Tanzania 2-1 in the group stage, handing the hosts their only loss of the campaign. Up until the final, Kenya remained unbeaten, having conceded just one goal.

The final began with a tense moment as Kenya’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Wanzala, made a spectacular save in the first 20 seconds, denying a powerful volley from Valentino Mashaka. Wanzala, who plays for Kakamega Homeboyz, kept the Rising Stars in the game with his quick reflexes.

After this early scare, Tanzania continued to push forward in search of an opener, while Kenya adopted a defensive stance, soaking up the pressure. As the game progressed, Kenya gradually grew into the contest and started creating their own opportunities. Kevin Wangaya came close from a free-kick, narrowly missing the target—a similar position from which he scored in their earlier encounter with Tanzania.

The first half remained tightly contested, with both sides creating chances but failing to break the deadlock, heading into halftime at 0-0.

Just two minutes into the second half, Kenya took the lead. AFC Leopards’ forward Hassan Beja found the net from inside the penalty area, but was soon substituted due to an injury, with Phabian Sheldon stepping in.

After conceding, Tanzania ramped up the pressure, but Kenya’s disciplined defense limited their opportunities. However, in the 65th minute, a defensive lapse allowed Mashaka to equalize for Tanzania, beating Wanzala from close range.

In response to the equalizer, Kenya’s coach Salim Babu made two changes, bringing in Kelly Madada for Andreas Odhiambo and Ezekiah Omuri for William Gitamu, hoping to inject fresh energy into the side amid the challenging Dar es Salaam heat.

Tanzania clinched the game in the 83rd minute when Sheikhan Khamis scored with a stunning left-footed volley from outside the box. From that point on, the hosts expertly managed the remaining minutes, slowing the tempo and disrupting Kenya’s rhythm.

Tanzania held on to their lead until the final whistle, securing a 2-1 victory and lifting the regional title in front of their home crowd.