Tanzania made an impressive start to their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mozambique to move top of Group C.
The Serengeti Boys delivered a disciplined and controlled performance throughout the contest, combining attacking efficiency with defensive organisation to secure one of the most convincing wins of the opening round.
After a balanced start to the match, Tanzania gradually began to assert control and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Athanasi opened the scoring.
The goal reflected Tanzania’s growing dominance in attack as they repeatedly troubled the Mozambique defence with quick movement and sustained pressure in the final third.
Tanzania strengthened their grip on the match nine minutes later after Mozambique conceded an own goal in the 35th minute, leaving the East Africans firmly in control before the break.
By half-time, Tanzania had established authority both in possession and defensively, while Mozambique faced the difficult challenge of recovering from a two-goal deficit.
The second half followed a similar pattern as Tanzania continued to push forward rather than sit back and defend their lead.
Their persistence paid off again in the 63rd minute when Mbegelendi added the third goal following an assist from Hamis.
The goal effectively ended any hopes of a Mozambique comeback and capped a commanding display from the Tanzanians, who maintained their intensity and defensive discipline until the final whistle.
Mozambique struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the encounter and were unable to find a response against a well-organised Tanzania side.
The result leaves Tanzania top of Group C with three points and a healthy goal difference advantage following the opening round of matches.
Mali and Angola sit behind with one point each after their goalless draw, while Mozambique remain bottom of the standings without a point.
For Tanzania, the victory represents an ideal beginning to the tournament and strengthens their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals and securing qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Serengeti Boys showed confidence on the ball, sharpness in attack and discipline at the back — qualities that could make them one of the standout teams in the early stages of the competition.
Mozambique, meanwhile, now face immediate pressure to respond in their next fixture as they attempt to revive their hopes of advancing from the group.
