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Tanzania Coach Talks Tough As His Under-17 Boys Tackle Senegal Under-17 Team Today In The Final Of TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON
Tanzania coach Elieneza Nsanganzelu says his side’s historic run to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, is proof that the country and East Africa have the talent to compete with the continent’s best.
The Serengeti Boys will face Senegal in Tuesday’s final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat after becoming the first Tanzanian team to reach the final of a continental youth competition.
Tanzania had already achieved their first major target by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but their penalty shootout victories over Algeria and Egypt have taken their campaign to another level.
Nsanganzelu says the achievement is the result of preparation, belief, scouting, training and investment, rather than luck.
He also believes Tanzania’s success should become a turning point for youth football development in the country and across East Africa.
Ahead of the final against Senegal, the coach spoke about the team’s mentality, the rise of 14-year-old Dismas Shida Athanasi, the importance of building proper development pathways, and what Tanzania must do to win the title.
He insists his players must remain calm, follow their strategy and believe they can bring the trophy home.
