Tanzania’s national U-17 football team, Serengeti Boys, have booked a place in the semi-finals of the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON U-17) after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time.
The quarter-final match delivered high intensity and constant twists, with both sides showing attacking strength and resilience in an entertaining contest that kept fans on edge from the opening whistle.
Algeria made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Valmy, who finished clinically after an early attacking move.
Serengeti Boys, however, responded with confidence and equalised in the 25th minute when striker Athanasi found the back of the net after sustained pressure from Tanzania.
The North Africans regained the lead in the 40th minute, again through Valmy, who struck his second goal of the match to make it 2-1. But Tanzania refused to go into the break behind.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Mbalasalu produced a crucial equaliser in the 45+8th minute, restoring parity at 2-2 in a tightly contested first half.
After the restart, Serengeti Boys came out stronger, pressing higher and playing with greater urgency. Their efforts paid off in the 61st minute when Athanasi scored his second goal of the game, putting Tanzania ahead 3-2 for the first time.
Algeria once again showed their fighting spirit and responded quickly, levelling the match at 3-3 in the 65th minute through Benramdane.
With neither side able to find a winner in the remaining minutes, the match headed into a tense penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Serengeti Boys kept their composure under pressure, converting crucial spot-kicks to secure a 4-3 victory and seal a historic place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
With the win, Tanzania now awaits the winner of the quarter-final clash between Ivory Coast and Egypt, as they continue their remarkable run in the competition.
