- Tanzania are making a return to AFCON after missing in 2019
- They are coached by former Kenya tactician Adel Amrouche
- Zambia will play DR Congo in the late kick off
Tanzania national team, Taifa Stars will open their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against Morocco, looking to upset one of the tournament favourites in San Pedro.
Tanzania head coach Adel Amrouche says his team is well prepared and ready to battle with the big boys in Africa. They meet with Morocco just less than two months after they faced each other in Dar es Salaam, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, Tanzania losing 2-0.
“We know the quality of players we are going to come up against and the experience they have. We have a very young squad and if you look at the average age of players in our team, I think we are the youngest squad,” said Amrouche.
He added; “We are not here just for today but we are also trying to build a team for the future. We are here to get the experience of playing against some of the biggest teams in the continent.”
Meanwhile, skipper Mbwana Samatta says the team is prepared to give their best.
“We have prepared very well and every player is in high spirits. We played a friendly match against Egypt and it showed us where we are as a team and we have been working on improving. We are ready to face Morocco,” said the skipper.
Tanzania back in AFCON after missing 2021
Tanzania goalkeepers during training in San Pedro. PHOTO/TFF
Tanzania are back at the AFCON for the first time since 2019.
In the late kick off on Wednesday, Zambia will open their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against DR Congo in San Pedro, with coach Avram Grabnt looking forward to a positive start.
The tactician though is wary that it will not be an easy outing, but reckons his side will be motivated to give a good account of themselves and battle for a win.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Grant said that Congo is a very good team, but the Chipolopolo will be geared to show their best side.
“The game is important, the tournament will be important, nothing will be decided after the first game, but it is important to open the tournament in the best way we can,” he said.
He adds; “I think we are in a very tough group and our first opponents (Congo DR) are a very good team, but our target is also to show a good team and continue with our progress in the last year that we did. We have a very balanced team that is what we wanted to do, and we try to play as a team which is our strength.”
Meanwhile, skipper Lubambo Musonda says the team is ready to battle.
Zambia ready to battle
Zambia players during training. PHOTO/FAZ
“The opening game is very important, we need to start good, we need be on that good feeling to start with a win,” the captain said.
The Congolese, stars laden in their squad and keen on also earning a positive start also know it will not be a walk in the park. Head coach Sebastian Desabre, who led Uganda at the 2019 AFCON, believes his side has prepared well and is ready to challenge.
“The players are focused on the objectives. The first match of a tournament is important but not decisive. We go there with the ambition to continue what we have undertaken for a year and a half. We are underdogs but we want to play good matches. We are going to face Zambia who have very good qualities, especially offensively. The players are ready to defend the colors of the country,” the tactician said.
His sentiments are echoed by skipper Chancel Mbemba.
“It’s my 5th AFCON and this is an opportunity to share my experience with other players. But Experience must also be shown on the ground. Zambia has a great team, especially its attack. We watched the videos, and we are working on our own. We will defend our flag facing any player,” the veteran centreback said.
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