Kenya’s U-20 national football team faces a challenging road ahead after being drawn against hosts Tanzania in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 CECAFA qualifiers.
The draw, which took place at the Azam TV studio in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Thursday, sees Kenya grouped with Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, and Djibouti in Group A.
The qualifiers, set to run from October 6-20, 2024, will be held at three venues in Dar es Salaam: Azam Complex, KMC Stadium, and the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.
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As Kenya prepares for these crucial matches, the team is aiming to secure one of two coveted spots in the semi-finals, which will automatically qualify the finalists to represent CECAFA at the AFCON U-20 tournament next year.
Salim Babu, who took charge of the Kenya -U-18 side as they reached the finals of the 2023 CECAFA Boys Championships which were held in Kisumu and Kakamega, was also in charge of the side as they took part in the Malawi Four Nations tournament this March.
It is expected that the majority of the players who took part in that competition, such as Aldrine Kibet, Amos Wanjala, Tyrone Kariuki and Elly Owande will be taking part in that competition.
Kenya will need to overcome stiff competition, particularly from the hosts Tanzania, who will have home support on their side. Sudan and Rwanda also pose significant threats, while Djibouti rounds out the group.
Speaking after the draw, CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi expressed optimism for the tournament, saying, "We hope to have a very competitive and exciting tournament in Tanzania."
In Group B, reigning champions Uganda, who claimed the title in Khartoum in 2022, will face South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia. Interestingly, Uganda and South Sudan, who were finalists in the last edition and represented the zone at the continental level, find themselves drawn together once again.
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For Kenya’s U-20 side, advancing to the AFCON U-20 will be a significant achievement, and their performance in Tanzania could serve as a platform to showcase the next generation of Kenyan football talent.
All eyes will be on the young squad as they prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.