U17 AFCON: Tanzania deliver stunning display to top Group C

Tanzania began their U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mozambique to move top of Group C.

The Serengeti Boys produced a composed and disciplined performance from start to finish, controlling large parts of the contest before turning their dominance into a convincing result that leaves them in a strong early position in the competition.

After a steady opening period, Tanzania found the breakthrough in the 26th minute through Athanasi, whose goal rewarded the side’s growing pressure and attacking intent.

The East Africans had looked increasingly dangerous in the final third and were eventually able to break through a Mozambique defence that had struggled to contain their movement.

Tanzania doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Mozambique conceded an own goal in the 35th minute.

The setback further strengthened Tanzania’s grip on the match as they continued to dictate the tempo and prevent their opponents from building momentum before half-time.

By the interval, Tanzania had established complete control of the encounter, both defensively and in attack, while Mozambique faced an increasingly difficult task of recovering from a two-goal deficit.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Tanzania continuing to press forward rather than protecting their lead.

Their persistence paid off again in the 63rd minute when Mbegelendi scored the third goal following an assist from Hamis.

The goal effectively ended any hopes of a Mozambique comeback and confirmed Tanzania’s place as the standout side in the group after the opening round of fixtures.

Mozambique struggled to respond throughout the contest and were unable to find a way back into the game as Tanzania maintained their organisation and intensity until the final whistle.

The result gives Tanzania three points and a healthy goal difference advantage at the top of Group C.

Mali and Angola, who both collected one point, remain behind the Tanzanians, while Mozambique sit bottom following the heavy defeat.

For Tanzania, the performance represented an ideal start to the tournament and offered encouragement ahead of the remaining group matches.

The team showed confidence in possession, efficiency in front of goal and discipline at the back, qualities that could prove important as the competition progresses.

The victory also places the Serengeti Boys in a favourable position in the race for qualification to the quarter-finals.

With momentum already on their side, Tanzania will now look to build on the result and maintain their position at the top of the standings.

Mozambique, meanwhile, face immediate pressure to recover in their next fixture if they are to remain in contention for progression.

The defeat leaves them with no points and a goal difference of minus three, meaning their upcoming matches could prove decisive.

The opening round of Group C fixtures has therefore given Tanzania an early advantage in the standings and established them as one of the teams to watch in the tournament’s early stages.

Group C standings

• Tanzania – 3 pts (+3)
• Mali – 1 pt (0)
• Angola – 1 pt (0)
• Mozambique – 0 pts (-3)