Tanzania head coach, Manuel Gomandi, has revealed the approach his side will adopt to confront the quality of Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both teams lock horns in their opening group match of the Africa Cup of Nations this evening in Fez.
Addressing journalists at his pre-match press conference yesterday, the Argentine tactician admitted that facing Nigeria presents a formidable challenge, insisting that only total concentration, discipline and collective commitment will give his team a fighting chance.
“We need to be very careful and work in a perfect situation. I am confident my players will put in extra effort to contain the threat from Nigeria,” Gomandi said.
The coach acknowledged the depth of talent within the Super Eagles squad, stressing that Tanzania must raise their level beyond the ordinary to compete.
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“We need to be realistic. When you look at the qualities in the Nigerian team, you have to give more than 100 percent to try to neutralize them,” he added.
While expressing respect for their opponents, Gomandi maintained that Tanzania will not completely abandon their own style of play, noting that tactical discipline and error-free execution will be crucial.
“Our mentality is to try to play and attack as well. But we must be tactically disciplined and avoid mistakes, because the quality in the Nigerian team can punish you if you give them any opportunity,” he concluded.
Speaking in the same vein, Captain Mbwana Samatta said the Taifa Stars are determined to defy the odds and write a new chapter in the nation’s football history.
“Many football fans say we are in a very tough group, and that is true,” Samatta said. “But we are determined to make history and give our best in every match.”
The Le Havre striker acknowledged the difficulty of facing Africa’s elite but stressed that success on the continent requires courage and belief.
“If you want to achieve something meaningful in Africa, you must be ready to face strong teams. There are no easy matches at this level,” he noted.
Samatta also appealed to Tanzanians at home and abroad to rally behind the team, insisting that their support could make a difference on the big stage.
Midfielder Feisal Salum echoed his captain’s optimism, pointing to the confidence gained from Tanzania’s recent Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign.
The Taifa Stars reached the quarter-finals as co-hosts in August, losing to eventual champions Morocco, with Salum among the standout performers.
“Everyone is really motivated after what we did in CHAN,” Salum said. “Those games were very tough and almost like AFCON. This will be even harder, but we have built incredible belief and fighting spirit.”
Having failed to progress beyond the group stage in their last two AFCON appearances, Salum believes lessons from past tournaments and the guidance of head coach Miguel Gamondi have strengthened the squad’s resolve. “We learnt a lot, especially from Ivory Coast last time,” he explained. “We must give 100 percent in every game and play with discipline. With these lessons, there is confidence in the group that we can reach our minimum target of the round of 16.”
