DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’s national U-17 football team, Serengeti Boys, has departed for Uganda to compete in the CECAFA regional qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U-17).
The U-17 qualifiers will run from December 14 to December 27, with the Serengeti Boys kicking off their campaign against hosts Uganda on December 14th at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Speaking to Daily News, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Media and Communication Officer, Clifford Ndimbo said the Serengeti Boys will face Ethiopia in their second Group A match on December 17, before concluding the group stage against Burundi on December 20.
Group B features defending champions Somalia, who will open their campaign against Sudan on December 15, while South Sudan will play Kenya.
CECAFA Competitions Director Yusuf Mossi confirmed that nine member countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, have registered for the qualifiers.
Mossi also highlighted the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests for all players to verify their eligibility.
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“All teams are required to conduct MRI tests before travelling to Uganda. Upon arrival, the designated CAF doctors will carry out further checks,” Mossi said.
The top two teams will secure spots at the U-17 AFCON, scheduled for 2025. Meanwhile, the U-15 boys’ and girls’ teams have also travelled to participate in the CECAFA schools tournament, which begins on Saturday.
