Tanzania became the first CECAFA nation to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 after defeating Kenya 3-1 in the first semi-final in Addis Ababa.

The match, played on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, confirmed Tanzania’s place at next year’s continental finals.

Kenya started brightly and earned a penalty just ten minutes into the match. Tanzanian goalkeeper Haji Ally Abdallah fouled Derrick Muchiti Obote in the box, giving Kenya an early chance. But Abdallah redeemed himself when he saved Saidi Makangila Derrick Muchiti Obote’s penalty, drawing loud cheers from the small crowd inside the stadium.

The missed opportunity unsettled Kenya, and Tanzania quickly grew into the game. Unbeaten in the group stage, the Tanzanians pushed forward with confidence and took the lead after 19 minutes. Defender Nhingo Juma Luzelenga rose highest to head past the Kenyan goalkeeper, making it 1-0.

Tanzania doubled their advantage in the 30th minute. Luqman Ally Mbabasalu took advantage of a precise pass and beat the Kenyan goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation, placing his team firmly in control.

Kenya tried to settle, but Tanzania maintained their shape and continued to deny them space. Kenyan midfielder Nicholas Ochola, who had been outstanding in their earlier group match against Ethiopia, struggled to make the same impact in this fixture. Kenya’s attacking effort, led by skipper Yusuf Ahmed Mohamed, lacked consistency as Tanzania closed down passing lanes.

In the second half, Kenya came out with more urgency. They pressed higher and attempted to stretch Tanzania’s defence. Substitute Armstrong Omondi gave them hope in the 84th minute when he struck from outside the box, beating Abdallah and reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Late goal seals qualification

Kenya pushed for more, but Tanzania stayed compact and refused to panic. Their defensive unit, which had already kept clean sheets in the group stages, held firm again.

As Kenya threw bodies forward, Tanzania capitalised on the space left behind. Three minutes into stoppage time, substitute Soann Shabani scored Tanzania’s third goal, ending any chance of a Kenyan comeback.

At full-time, the Tanzanian team celebrated on the pitch as referee Amro Alsayed Mohammed from Sudan blew the final whistle. Their coach, Elienza Nicolaus Nsanganzelu, praised his players and said qualifying for the tournament had been their first goal.

“I am happy that our first mission, which was to qualify for the AFCON U-17, has been achieved. Now our next mission will be to win the trophy,” he said.

Kenya’s defeat came just days after they lost 1-0 to Ethiopia in their final Group A match. That loss denied them top spot in the group, as both teams had seven points but Ethiopia had a better goal difference. The loss forced Kenya into a tougher semi-final against Tanzania.

In that earlier match, Kenya and Ethiopia both played aggressively, hoping to avoid a strong opponent in the last four. Kenya created openings through Nicholas Ochola and Julius Buong, who linked up well in midfield, while Ethiopia relied on quick short passes before switching play with long balls.

Ethiopia eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Dawit Kasaw scored after a neat exchange of passes. Kenya pressed for an equaliser, but Ethiopia’s defence, led by Seyfedin Umer, held on.

Tanzania will now wait to see who joins them in the U-17 AFCON finals. The second semi-final between hosts Ethiopia and defending champions Uganda will take place later at the same venue. The winners of the two semi-finals and the third-place team will all qualify for the 2026 tournament.