The AFCON U-17 Zonal Qualifiers are heating up, with the semi-final stage set to be a thrilling affair! But here's the twist: the hosts, Ethiopia, will face a challenging opponent in the Uganda Cubs.
In a series of exciting matches, Kenya and Uganda booked their spots in the semi-finals. Kenya's journey was remarkable, as they defeated South Sudan 2-0 in a Group A clash at the iconic Abebe Bikila Stadium. Derrick Wanyonzi and Trevor Nasasiro were the heroes, securing the win and a place in the knockout stage. But the South Sudanese team, led by Panom Juo, put up a valiant fight, creating decent chances but failing to convert.
Meanwhile, Uganda's qualification was equally impressive. They faced a tough test against Tanzania, but a 2-1 victory sealed their fate. Fahad Ismail's early penalty was canceled out by Didmas Athanasi, and Soann Shabani's second-half strike confirmed Uganda's progression. And this is where it gets interesting: Uganda's fate was sealed before their final group match against Djibouti, who were also seeking their first win.
But the real drama unfolded in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, the hosts, were on the brink of qualification but couldn't hold onto a 3-1 lead against a resilient Somalia. The Somalian skipper, Anas Mohammed, scored a late equalizer, ensuring a thrilling 3-3 draw. This result left Ethiopia's coach, Benjamin Ziemer, acknowledging the team's loss of control and the need to learn from the experience.
And here's a heartwarming aspect: the Safeguarding Workshops held in Ethiopia received high praise from the participating teams. These workshops, supervised by CECAFA's Veronica Lusichi, provided valuable insights into safeguarding policies designed to protect players and officials from abuse. Participants, including Ethiopia's goalkeeper Temesgen Kebede Tadesse and Rwanda's assistant coach Alain Kirasa, expressed their appreciation for the initiative.
As the tournament progresses, the semi-final stage promises to be a battle of the titans. Ethiopia, with home advantage, will face a determined Uganda Cubs side. Who will prevail and secure a place in the final? The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown!
But wait, there's more! In a separate match, Tanzania showcased their dominance with an 11-0 thrashing of Djibouti. Luqman Ally Mbalasalu's hat-trick in each half was a highlight, leaving Djibouti stunned. And defending champions Uganda sent a strong message with a 9-0 victory over Sudan, showcasing their title credentials.
With the group stage coming to a close, the semi-finals are set to be a spectacle. Will Ethiopia's home advantage be enough to overcome Uganda's Cubs? Or will the visitors pull off an upset? The football world eagerly awaits the outcome of this exciting tournament. And the best part? The action is just getting started!
