Tanzanian U17 coach targets top spot in Afcon

What you need to know:

  • The Tanzanian boys were yesterday busy, perfecting their tactics ahead of the Group A clash of the 2019 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations – Cecafa zone – qualifying tournament.

Dar es Salaam. Coach Oscar Mirambo’s charges will be subjected to yet another test today when the national U-17 soccer team, Serengeti Boys, take on Rwanda.

The Tanzanian boys were yesterday busy, perfecting their tactics ahead of the Group A clash of the 2019 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations – Cecafa zone – qualifying tournament.

A win for Serengeti Boys will see them top the group and join teams that have qualified for the semi-finals, which start on Friday at the National Stadium.

Currently, Serengeti Boys are placed at the top of the group with eight points.

They tie on eight points with Rwanda, by they are ahead of goal difference.

Ethiopia were the first team to book a place in the last four from Group B, while Uganda and Kenya are fighting for the remaining slot from the group.

Last week, Kenya dispatched Djibouti 9-0 in their second match of the tournament at the Azam Sports Complex on the outskirts of the city.

This was the biggest scoreline of the championship this far, taking Kenya’s goal tally to 13, having won 4-0 against South Sudan in their first match.

Kenya will wind up their Group B matches against Ethiopia tomorrow.

Kenya are seeking to make a maiden appearance at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations finals scheduled for next year in the country.

The winner of the tournament will thus gain qualification to the junior continental showpiece next year alongside Tanzania, who qualify automatically by virtue of being the hosts.

Mirambo has expressed optimism that his boys will wind up their group stage campaign with a win against the Rwanda side.

Mirambo, who guided the youth team to the Cecafa Youth Challenge Cup triumph in Bujumbura, Bujumbura four or so months ago, predicted a tough clash but remained optimistic that it will produce positive results for his boys.

“Rwanda are a good team as those who have seen them in action can attest, but we are ready for the challenge,” he said.