U17 AFCON: Tanzania Secure Quarter-Final Spot As Senegal, Algeria Record Crucial Wins

U17 AFCON: Tanzania Secure Quarter-Final Spot As Senegal, Algeria Record Crucial Wins

By Niyi Busari 

Tanzania secured qualification for both the quarter-finals of the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Angola on Matchday Two of the competition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The East Africans continued their impressive form after opening the tournament with another 3-0 victory over Mozambique, taking their tally to six goals scored without conceding.

After an evenly contested opening phase against Angola, Tanzania took control in the 28th minute through Razaki Mgbeglendi, who capitalised on a defensive mistake to break the deadlock.

Tanzania raised the intensity after the break and doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Hasan Kizinga finished off a flowing attacking move. Hussen Saddam then sealed the emphatic victory with a well-struck free-kick in the 67th minute.

The result confirmed Tanzania as one of the standout teams of the tournament so far and secured their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Elsewhere, Senegal recorded a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghana to revive their qualification hopes.

Ibrahima Dione scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute after a tightly contested encounter in which Ghana dominated possession but struggled to break down Senegal’s disciplined defensive structure.

The Young Lions defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure all three points in one of the headline fixtures of the day.

Algeria also boosted their chances of progression with a 2-0 win against South Africa.

Yacine Abed starred for the Young Fennecs, scoring in both halves to hand Algeria their first victory of the tournament following an earlier 2-2 draw against Ghana.

Abed opened the scoring in the 41st minute before completing his brace in the 85th minute on a swift counter-attack as South Africa pushed for an equaliser.

In the day’s other fixture, Mali fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Mozambique.

Diego Pelembe gave Mozambique an early lead after just five minutes, but Mali gradually took control of possession and pressure before Youssif Sylla produced a stunning long-range strike in the 65th minute to rescue a point for the Young Eagles.

The results leave Tanzania firmly at the top of their group, while qualification battles remain open in the other groups heading into the decisive final round of matches.

The tournament also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, adding further significance to every fixture as teams compete for continental glory and a place on the global stage.