KAMPALA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after demolishing South Sudan 4-0 in the semifinal at the on-going Zonal CECAFA qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda on Tuesday.
Tanzania took a 3-0 lead in the first half with goals by Hussein Mbegu, Ng'habi Zamu and Abel Josiah Samson at the Nakivubo Hamz Stadium.
After the interval, South Sudan tried to fight back but failed. Substitute Juma Abushiri made it 4-0 for Tanzania after 52 minutes.
South Sudan earned a penalty after 67 minutes when defender Idrisa Kilendewo handled the ball in the box. However, Tanzanian goalkeeper Abrahman Massoro saved Lazarus Peter George Laku's penalty kick.
Aggrey Morris Ambros, the Tanzanian head coach, said he was happy that his players have worked hard to qualify. "I thank my team for the work well done," added Ambros.
The win sent Tanzania to the final and booked a place in the U-17 AFCON that will take place in Morocco next year.
The other semifinal to decide which team books the second slot to the U-17 AFCON will feature Uganda and 2022 champion Somalia. ■