Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Heroes secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sudan in the CECAFA U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Thursday, propelling them to the top of Group A. The closely contested match took place at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, with Shekhan Ibrahim Khamis delivering the decisive goal.
The victory has boosted Tanzania’s chances of progressing to the next stage of the tournament, giving them six points after three matches.
With only one match remaining against Rwanda, the Ngorongoro Heroes are well-placed to reach the semi-finals.
Sudan, who also have six points, trail Tanzania only on goal difference, intensifying the race for qualification.
The first half saw both sides struggle to find the breakthrough.
Despite some early pressure from Tanzania, Sudan’s defense remained resolute, keeping the game goalless at the interval.
However, the second half saw a more determined and tactically disciplined Tanzania take control of the match.
The deadlock was finally broken when Nickson Mosha delivered a well-executed set piece, which found Khamis in the perfect position to head the ball past the Sudanese goalkeeper.
Khamis’s goal proved to be the only one of the match, but it was enough to secure a vital three points for Tanzania.
Tanzania’s win followed a mixed start to their AFCON U20 qualification campaign.
After suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kenya’s Rising Stars in their opening match, the Ngorongoro Heroes bounced back with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Djibouti.
The win over Sudan marks their second triumph in the group, and they now sit in pole position to advance to the semi-finals.
Kenya, currently in third place with four points, will also be watching the final group match with interest, as they aim to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Rwanda, with only one point so far, are at risk of elimination but could still cause an upset when they face Tanzania in the final group match.
Djibouti, without any points, have already been eliminated from the competition.
For Tanzania, the upcoming clash against Rwanda will be decisive.
A win would guarantee their place in the semi-finals, while a draw might be enough depending on other results.
Head coach Jamhuri Kihwelo will be looking to build on the momentum gained from the victory over Sudan and ensure his team continues their journey towards AFCON U20 glory.
With the competition intensifying and a spot in the prestigious AFCON U20 tournament at stake, Tanzania’s young stars will be eager to continue their winning form as they look ahead to the crucial encounter with Rwanda.
