Serengeti Boys secures AFCON U17 qualification
KAMPALA: TANZANIA’S U17 national team ‘Serengeti Boys’ Head Coach, Agrey Morris, expressed his pride and satisfaction after his side triumphed over South Sudan in the semifinals of the 2025 AFCON U17 Qualifiers for the CECAFA region.
Speaking after the match, Morris praised his players for their dedication and determination, which secured their qualification for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I am very proud of the boys. They have fought hard to bring honour to our nation. Their commitment and effort throughout this competition are clear signs that we are building a strong team for the future,” he said.
The coach emphasised that the primary goal had always been qualification and now that it has been achieved, their focus will shift to securing their best performance in the final.
“Our next goal is to win the final and bring the trophy back to Tanzania,” he added.
Tanzania and Uganda are now the CECAFA region’s representatives for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations after both teams secured impressive semifinal victories on Tuesday.
Tanzania triumphed 4-0 over South Sudan, while Uganda overcame Somalia 4-1 in their semifinal clash at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala.
In the first half of the Tanzania-South Sudan match, Hussein Mbegu, Ng’habi Zamu and Abel Josiah Samson all found the back of the net, giving Tanzania a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
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South Sudan attempted a comeback in the second half, but Tanzania maintained their dominance.
Substitute Juma Abushiri sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 52nd minute.
South Sudan was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after Tanzania’s Idrisa Kilendewo handled the ball in the box.
However, Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Abrahman Massoro, saved Lazarus Peter George Laku’s spot-kick, ensuring his side’s clean sheet.
The match for third place between South Sudan and Somalia, along with the final between Tanzania and Uganda, will take place on December 27, 2024.
