Tanzania U20 Profile: Ngorongoro Heroes set sights on knockout stages
Tanzania return to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with renewed belief and attacking flair after clinching the CECAFA U-20 Championship in emphatic style.
This will mark only their second appearance at the tournament, having made their debut in 2021.
Led by seasoned tactician Charles Boniface Mkwasa, the Ngorongoro Heroes arrive in Egypt 2025 with momentum and a hunger to prove their growth on the continental stage.
With an exciting crop of young talent and a fearless approach, Tanzania are eyeing a breakthrough campaign in a challenging Group A.
Below is the full profile of the Tanzania U20 team:
TANZANIA
After a dominant run at the CECAFA U-20 Championship, Tanzania are set to return to the continental stage for their second appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
With a vibrant and attack-minded squad led by coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa, the Ngorongoro Heroes are hoping to go further than they did in 2021, when they exited at the group stage.
Their eyes are now set on progressing to the knockout rounds, fuelled by regional glory and a new wave of talent.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Tanzania booked their spot at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON 2025 by winning the CECAFA regional qualifiers in style.
The Ngorongoro Heroes displayed attacking dominance throughout the tournament, highlighted by a 7-0 win over Djibouti and a convincing 2-0 victory against Kenya in the final.
Strikers Valentino Mashaka and Sabri Omar Kondo starred in the campaign, combining for nine goals. Their efforts helped Tanzania claim a third CECAFA U-20 title and secure a deserved return to the continental tournament.
HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON
This will be Tanzania’s second appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Their first participation came in 2021, where they struggled to make an impact—failing to register a win in the group stage and exiting early.
Armed with more experience and momentum from their regional success, Tanzania now aim to rewrite history and reach the knockout stage for the very first time.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Valentino Mashaka – A pacey winger with sharp attacking instincts, Mashaka finished as Tanzania’s joint top scorer at the CECAFA U-20 Championship with four goals. His explosive runs and finishing ability will be vital in Egypt.
Sabri Omar Kondo – The creative spark in midfield, Kondo was named Best Player of the CECAFA U-20 Championship. His five goals and excellent dribbling make him one of the team’s biggest threats going forward.
Sheikhan Khamis – An elegant attacking midfielder with great vision and composure. Khamis brings balance and control in the final third and is expected to be a key playmaker for Tanzania at the tournament.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Tanzania are led by veteran coach Charles Boniface Mkwasa, who has instilled a bold, attack-minded style of football in the squad.
Under his guidance, the team favours quick transitions and wide play, using the pace of their wingers and creativity in midfield to unlock defences.
While Mkwasa encourages free expression in attack, his team is also disciplined and structured, especially when defending against stronger opposition.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
After a disappointing debut in 2021, Tanzania enter the 2025 edition with ambition and belief.
They face a stern test in a challenging group that includes tournament hosts Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
Despite the tough opposition, the Ngorongoro Heroes are determined to make history. A top-two finish may be a tall order, but with their current form and dynamic squad, Tanzania could cause an upset and fight for a place in the knockout phase.