Tanzania might have secured an U20 Africa Cup of Nations ticket, but for Yanga fan favourite Abdulnassir ‘Casemiro’ Mohamed, the job is only halfway done.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe central midfielder was at the heart of the Ngorongoro Heroes’ 2-0 semifinal victory over Burundi on Tuesday, a result that booked Tanzania’s place in Thursday’s final against Sudan and confirmed their qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.Kakamega Homeboyz youngster unruffled despite 3 separate national team snubsCasemiro, who has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Tanzanian football, has quickly become a favourite among Yanga supporters. There is growing belief around the club that the youngster can make the central midfield position his for years to come.But Tuesday’s semifinal showed him that the slot would not come easily.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978709##“We thank God for the results. This was an important match because we wanted to qualify for AFCON and we managed to do that,” Casemiro said.Tanzania had previously put four past Rwanda and three against Ethiopia, but Burundi offered a different challenge. Casemiro felt the semifinal demanded greater concentration, particularly after Tanzania went into the second half with a two-goal advantage.Tanzania overpower Burundi to secure U-20 Africa Cup of Nations slot“Today's game was harder. If you look at the second half, despite leading with two goals, had they scored one, they would have had the momentum to equalise.”Now comes the chance to finish the job.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978882##Tanzania face Sudan in Thursday’s final, with both sides already assured of their places at the U20 AFCON. For Casemiro, however, qualification was never supposed to be the ultimate destination.“We have an aim to be champions and not just qualify.”Uganda coach rues officiating after Sudan's dramatic comeback to book U20 AFCON ticketAnd he wants Uhuru Stadium rocking once again. His message to the supporters who turned up for the semifinal, and those planning to return on Thursday, was simple.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978907##“They should come for the final; they should come in numbers. The entrance is free, and they should show up.”For a player already attracting plenty of attention in Tanzanian football, Thursday offers another stage for Casemiro to show why so many expect him to own Tanzania’s midfield for years to come.
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