AFCON 2027: Tanzania says it does not fear Nigeria in Uyo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
A Tanzanian federation official, Almasi Kasongo, says the Taifa Stars are not intimidated by the Super Eagles ahead of the first leg of their 2027 AFCON qualifier on Friday in Uyo. The return leg is scheduled for 17 November in Dar es Salaam, according to Punch.
Tanzania does not fear Nigeria ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifier, said Almasi Kasongo, director of the Tanzania Football Federation, quoted by Punch. "We are not afraid. Football is played over 90 minutes. We know the quality of the Nigerian players. We are here to fight and get a result," he said.
The Tanzanian delegation arrived in Abuja on Sunday but only reached Uyo on Tuesday morning, which delayed its preparation. The Taifa Stars held their first session on Tuesday evening. The first leg is on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo; the return is scheduled for 17 November in Dar es Salaam.
Coach Miguel Gamondi has mostly picked players from the Tanzanian league, including five from Yanga FC and five from Azam FC. Players based abroad include Novatus Miroshi (Göztepe, Turkey), Cyprian Kachewele (Kryvbas, Ukraine) and Bernard Kamongo (FC Dallas, United States).
In Group L, Tanzania lost 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau, then drew 1-1 with Madagascar. Automatically qualified as co-hosts of AFCON 2027, they will use the remaining matches to prepare for the tournament.
Both teams had experienced flight delays before arriving in Uyo, according to our article of 10 November.
