Defending champions Niger look set to retain their title as they battle Zambia today in the final of the male category of the second Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 soccer tournament holding in Lagos. In yesterday’s semi-finals, Niger saw off hosts Nigeria 8-7 after the shootouts that followed the one-all score at full time, while Zambia beat Tanzania 5-4, also after penalties following the 1-1 draw at full time.

In the female category, free-scoring Tanzania look set to beat Kenya for the trophy. The Tanzanian girls went on rampage in yesterday’s semi-finals, whitewashing Uganda 8-1 with Shelida Boniface scoring five, while Kenya saw off Nigeria 3-1 via penalties following a barren full time draw. The closing ceremonies, of which the matches are a part, have been schedule to begin by 10:00 a.m. at the Agege Township Stadium, where the championship kicked off on Monday.

The Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 soccer tournament is a unique pan-African initiative of Airtel Africa designed to create a pool of talents to feed the national football teams of African countries.

•Photo shows action from the second Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 soccer tournament ending today in Lagos.