Stars ready for Ethiopia, says Mgunda

TAIFA Stars Assistant Coach Juma Mgunda says the team is fully prepared to face Ethiopia in tomorrow’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Assistant Coach Juma Mgunda says the team is fully prepared to face Ethiopia in tomorrow’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The two teams face off in their Group H opener, aims to secure maximum points as they prepare for the rest of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

“So far, our preparations are over 80 per cent complete and every player in the camp is eagerly anticipating the match. Our goal is to secure the crucial three points at home,” Mgunda said.

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He added, “We must remember that there are no easy games in football. Every team in this competition is strong and that is why we are training intensely to compete effectively.”

“Football is all about results and winning after the full playtime is a significant achievement. That’s why we are in camp—to win. We have emphasised the importance of this match to the players and they understand what’s at stake. They know they are representing all Tanzanians and are ready to fight for a positive outcome.”

“We are confident in our ability to win against Ethiopia and set a strong foundation for our upcoming match against Guinea. A successful start in the qualifiers will be crucial for our campaign,” Mgunda concluded.

He, therefore, used the platform to urge Tanzanians to come at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in big number to support their team saying their presence will mean a lot to the players on the pitch.

Tanzania first reached the AFCON finals in 1980, held in Nigeria, where they were in Group A with the host nation, Egypt and Ivory Coast.

Their second appearance was in 2019 in Egypt, where they were drawn into Group C with Algeria, Senegal and Kenya, finishing at the bottom of the group.

In 2023, Tanzania qualified once more for the AFCON finals, this time in Ivory Coast and was placed in Group F alongside Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia.

In each of their AFCON appearances, Tanzania has unfortunately been eliminated in the group stage.

Tanzanians called to support Stars

Speaking yesterday, TFF Information Officer Clifford Ndimbo reported that preparations for the game are progressing well.

“The team is training hard for a crucial home win before our away matches. We urge fans to fill the stadium and support our players,” he said.

Media and Communication Managers from Simba (Ahmed Ally), Young Africans (Ally Kamwe) and Azam (Hasheem Ibwe) also attended, encouraging fans to fully pack the 60,000-seat stadium.

Kamwe announced, “In support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s goal incentive program, Simba, Yanga and Azam will reward each goal with 5m/-.”

During the briefing, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Arts and Sports Gerson Msigwa pledged that President Samia will contribute 5m/- per goal and urged Tanzanians to support the team from start to finish.

“This is our national team and it’s our duty to back them. Success in this campaign will pave the way for the 2025 AFCON and potentially secure automatic qualification for the 2027 tournament as hosts,” Msigwa said.