Beating Nigeria would be like winning AFCON — Tanzania coach
Tanzania’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s Group C opener against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Tanzania seeks first AFCON win
Despite the Taifa Stars’ long history of winless outings at AFCON, Gamondi believes his side can achieve a historic breakthrough.
The Taifa Stars have participated in three previous editions,1980, 2019, and 2023, without a single victory in nine matches.
Their encounter with Nigeria on Tuesday at Complexe Sportif de Fès will mark their 10th game at the tournament, and only the second time they face the Super Eagles at AFCON.
Their first meeting was in 1980 in Nigeria, where Tanzania fell 3–1 in the opening match.
Coach Gamondi’s optimism
Gamondi remains hopeful despite Nigeria’s strong pedigree. Speaking during a pre-match press conference, he said, “It’s our dream, and nobody can stop us from believing and dreaming. If you don’t have a dream, it doesn’t make sense to sleep too much. I respect Nigeria a lot, but in football anything is possible. We are here to make a good performance.”
He added, “I’m very realistic about the possibilities. Maybe Nigeria have 99 per cent, but you never know. I am confident we can do something. If we do what we need to do and are able to win, beating Nigeria would feel like winning the AFCON for us, especially at the start of the tournament.”
Following the clash against Nigeria, Tanzania will face Uganda in their second Group C fixture on Friday, before concluding the group stage against Tunisia the following Tuesday.
Gamondi’s comments underscore the team’s determination to improve on past tournaments, where they struggled in 1980, 2019, and 2023.
