THE pursuit of progression to ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 begins in Dar es Salaam today as hosts Tanzania lock horns with Nigeria in the Division 2 showdown's clash at Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) venue.

Eight squads have lined up for the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2, slated to be played at the DGC and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) grounds.

Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Media and Communication Officer Atif Salim mentioned the teams as hosts Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.

In the 50-over formatted showdown's opening day's other clash, Ghana would confront Mozambique at the UDSM ground.

Salim disclosed that the participating squads have been put into groups A and B. Botswana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda constitute Group A. Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania are the Group B competitors.

Two ties have been slated for Saturday, the first of which would have Sierra Leone confronting Rwanda, and the other would witness Botswana facing Malawi.

The TCA official pointed out that teams finishing first, second, and third would sail through to the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1.

Salim stated the squads would, in the preliminary phase, take on each other in a round-robin system in their respective groups and the top two in either group would secure a place in the last four set to take place on August 9.

The official moreover noted that upon the completion of the last four fixtures, teams that would progress to the final, scheduled for August 11, would directly make it to Division 1 of the qualifiers.

The winners of the third-place playoff clash also slated for August 11 would as well make it to Division 1.   

Salim further revealed that in preparation for the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2, TCA unveiled nine dedicated liaison officers to coordinate with the squads and match officials.

Eight of the officers, he disclosed, have been assigned to the participating national teams and one to the match officials.

Salim pointed out that each liaison officer received a specially customized jersey, featuring the name of the country they are liaising for prominently displayed on the front.

The unveiling and handing over of these jerseys was graciously conducted by the Chairman of Africarriers Group Fida Rashid, highlighting our commitment to providing excellent support and hospitality to our guests.

The TCA official said: "We are thrilled to welcome the teams and officials to Tanzania for this prestigious event. Our liaison officers are ready to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants."