Tanzania have vowed to battle Nigeria for victory in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header, with Tanzania Football Federation director Almasi Kasongo declaring that the Taifa Stars are not intimidated by the Super Eagles’ reputation.
The Tanzanian team arrived in Abuja on Sunday before travelling to Uyo on Tuesday morning, a delay that affected their preparations for Friday’s first-leg encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The visitors subsequently held their maiden training session in Uyo on Tuesday evening as they intensified preparations for the clash.
“We are not scared. Football is a game of 90 minutes. We know the quality of Nigeria’s players and their pedigree. We are well prepared and have players from the local scene and abroad who are equal to the task as well.
“We are here to fight and get a result. We recognise Nigeria’s quality, but we will go to the stadium to get a result,” Kasongo said.
Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi has unveiled his squad for the two-legged fixture, with the second encounter scheduled to take place on November 17 in Dar es Salaam.
The squad is largely dominated by players from the Tanzania Premier League, with Yanga FC and Azam FC contributing five players each, the highest number among the clubs represented. Kagera Sugar and Singida Black Stars have one player each.
Tanzania’s foreign-based players include Novatus Miroshi of Turkish side Göztepe, Cyprian Kachewele, who plays for Ukraine’s Kryvbas, and Bernard Kamongo of FC Dallas in the United States.
The Taifa Stars have endured a difficult start to their Group L campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau before settling for a 1-1 draw against Madagascar in their opening two matches.
However, having already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, Tanzania are expected to use the remaining qualifying matches to fine-tune their preparations for the continental competition.
