Tuesday, September 15 Group A Tanzania U20 vs. Rwanda U20 (Uhuru Stadium, Dar es Salaam, 19:00 CAT) Rwanda’s junior national team begins its campaign for a place at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations when it takes on hosts Tanzania in the opening match of the CECAFA U20 Championship on Tuesday at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The tournament, which runs from September 15 to 25, serves as the regional qualification pathway for the continental youth tournament. The Junior Wasps will be looking to make a strong start against Tanzania, one of the favourites for the title. Rwanda arrived in Tanzania on Sunday after completing the final phase of its preparations in Kigali. Head coach André Casa Mbungo travelled to Dar es Salaam with a 25-man squad, which will be based at Royal Village Hotel throughout the competition. Ahead of the encounter, Mbungo said his side is ready for the challenge and understands the importance of securing a positive result in the opening fixture, which could boost Rwanda’s chances of advancing from the group. “We are ready for the game and we want to fight in the first match to secure points. It will be tough, but we are ready,” said Mbungo. Rwanda and Tanzania were drawn in Group A alongside Ethiopia. The hosts enter the tournament as the defending CECAFA U20 champions and will be eager to make an early statement in front of their home supporters.
