The highly anticipated clash marks the start of Tanzania’s fifth appearance at the continental youth showpiece, with the young Taifa Stars still chasing a historic breakthrough beyond the group stage
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Under-17 national team, Serengeti Boys, begin their Africa U-17 Cup of Nations journey today with a tricky Group C opener against Mozambique at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 11, Sale) in Morocco from 7pm East Africa time.
The highly anticipated clash marks the start of Tanzania’s fifth appearance at the continental youth showpiece, with the young Taifa Stars still chasing a historic breakthrough beyond the group stage.
The tournament, which officially kicked off yesterday brings together 16 teams and runs until June 2. Defending champions Morocco are hosting the competition.
Tanzania have been drawn in a competitive Group C alongside Mali, Angola and Mozambique, setting up a demanding path right from the opening whistle.
Today’s opponents, Mozambique, enter the fixture with limited pedigree at this level. This is only their third appearance at the tournament, having previously featured in 1995 and 2001, with both campaigns ending in the group stage. Tanzania, meanwhile, are no strangers to early exits either. Despite appearances in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025 and now 2026, the Serengeti Boys have never progressed beyond the group phase — a record they are desperate to change in Morocco.
However, there is renewed optimism in the camp following their impressive Cecafa U-17 triumph in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they showcased consistency and resilience under coach Elieneza Nicolaus Nsanganzelu. Tanzania topped Group B with nine points, overcoming Uganda, Sudan, Burundi and Djibouti before edging Uganda 3–2 in a thrilling final to lift the regional title.
That form has boosted confidence ahead of a tougher continental assignment, where ten teams will eventually qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar scheduled for November 19 to December 13, 2026.
Eight teams will qualify automatically by finishing in the top two of their groups, while the remaining two slots will go to the best third-placed teams. Coach Nsanganzelu has stressed discipline and tactical focus ahead of the opener, acknowledging the challenge posed by Mozambique. “Our match against Mozambique will set the tone for our tournament,” he said.
“We respect them because they also want a result, but we are prepared for a strong performance.”define Tanzania’s ambitions in Morocco before tougher tests against Mali and Angola.
