Venezuela U-17 equaled Tanzania in the Dubai Youth Challenge

Published at: 09/11/2026 08:04 PM

As part of the final phase of its international preparation, the Venezuelan U-17 national team agreed to a 2-2 equality against its counterpart from Tanzania, in what was the first friendly match of the Venezuelan team in the Dubai Youth Challenge.

The commitment served as a tactical laboratory for strategist Fernando Aristeguieta, who took advantage of the shoot to adjust pieces, rotate the squad and measure the team's physical response to the biotype and rigor of an African rival.

The figure of the match for the national squad was Santiago Sánchez, responsible for signing a double. The Venezuelan attacker showed his nose in the area to beat the Tanzanian team's nets twice, reaffirming the forcefulness and variants that the coaching staff has on the attacking front.

Despite the advantages achieved by the Venezuelan bloc, Tanzania took advantage of its options in transition to level the shares and leave the final 2-2 on the scoreboard after 90 regular minutes.

Preparing for the U-17 World Cup

This trial in Dubai represents a test of high strategic value for Aristeguieta and her leaders. Facing Tanzania allowed the Vinotinto coaching staff to take direct notes on the dynamics of African football, just before facing the long-awaited debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

The national team will continue its work of concentration and adjustments on Emirati soil before moving to Doha, where it will make its official debut on November 21 against Cameroon at the opening of Group K, an area that completes the Mexican and Romanian teams.

Mazo News Team