Historic moment as Tanzania seal World Cup qualification
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 18.05.26. | 10:00
While Tanzania celebrated a historic achievement, it was a difficult weekend for the region’s other representatives
Neighbours Tanzania have become the first CECAFA nation to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup set to be held in Qatar after another commanding display at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Serengeti Boys continued their dream run on Sunday night with a ruthless 3-0 victory over Angola, making it two wins from two matches and confirming their place in both the quarter-finals of the continental tournament and next year’s global showpiece.
Having already dismantled Mozambique 3-0 in their opening Group C match, Tanzania,once again, showed their growing quality, confidence and attacking power against an Angolan side many expected to provide a sterner test.
After a balanced opening spell, Tanzania gradually took control of the contest and broke the deadlock in the 28th minute through Razaki Mbegelendi, who punished a defensive mistake to hand the East Africans a deserved lead.
The Serengeti Boys returned from the break with even greater intensity and purpose.
Hasan Kizinga doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute after a brilliant flowing move before Hussen Saddam crowned another dominant performance with a superb direct free-kick in the 67th minute.
Two matches, six goals scored and none conceded, Tanzania have firmly announced themselves as one of the most exciting teams at the tournament.
While Tanzania celebrated a historic achievement, it was a difficult weekend for the region’s other representatives.
Uganda suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in Group B, while Ethiopia fell 2-1 to hosts Morocco in Group A.
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Uganda and Ethiopia will now fight to keep their qualification hopes alive when they return to action on 19 May against Ivory Coast and Tunisia respectively.
Tanzania, meanwhile, will head into their final Group C match against Mali on 20 May full of confidence as they look to maintain their perfect record and possibly finish top of the group.
The top two teams in each group automatically qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while additional playoff matches will determine the remaining African representatives, with 10 teams set to fly the continent’s flag at the 2026 tournament.
