The 2025 edition of the ITF/CAT Eastern African Junior Teams’ Competition for 12 & Under took place in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, from 30 July to 3 August. The event brought together 21 boys and 21 girls representing eight nations, under the guidance of 13 coaches.

Kenya’s boys’ team and Ethiopia’s girls’ team came out on top, securing their place in the final event of the 2025 African Junior Teams’ Competition alongside runner-up teams Burundi in the boys’ event and Kenya in the girls’.

In the boys’ competition, teams were divided into two groups. Group A featured three nations, where Burundi topped the group after defeating Tanzania 2-1 and Comoros 3-0. Tanzania followed in second place thanks to a 3-0 win over Comoros. In Group B, which included four teams, Kenya stood out with a dominant performance, securing three 3-0 victories over Rwanda, Uganda and Seychelles. Rwanda finished second with two wins, 2-1 over Uganda and 3-0 over Seychelles. Uganda managed a 3-0 win over Seychelles to take third, while Seychelles placed fourth. As a result, Kenya and Rwanda advanced to the knockout stage alongside Burundi and Tanzania.

In the semifinals, Burundi overcame Rwanda 2-1 to book their spot in the final. Kenya followed with a 2-1 win over Tanzania. The final was closely contested, with Kenya eventually prevailing 2-1 to claim the boys’ title and confirm their place at the AJTC Final Event, together with Burundi.

On the girls’ side, Group A included three teams. Kenya qualified for the playoffs with two 3-0 victories over Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda advanced as well, finishing second after defeating Uganda 3-0. In Group B, Ethiopia emerged on top with three wins, 3-0 against Tanzania and Seychelles, and a tighter 2-1 victory over Burundi. Burundi came in second after beating both Tanzania and Seychelles 3-0. Tanzania secured third place with a 3-0 win over Seychelles.

The girls’ semifinals saw Ethiopia defeat Rwanda 3-0, while Kenya beat Burundi by the same scoreline. In the final, Ethiopia completed their strong run with a 2-0 victory over Kenya, clinching the regional title and a spot in the continental final.

At the end of the week, Kenya boys and Ethiopia girls lifted the trophies in Dar Es Salaam. Burundi boys and Kenya girls also earned their qualification to the final stage of the African Junior Teams’ Competition for 12 & Under.

Congratulations to all the participating teams and especially to Kenya and Ethiopia for their remarkable performances.

Final standings:

Full results here