Tanzania’s Afcon 2019 campaign could be Legendary as they go toe to toe with Africa’s best in Egypt.

Timu ya Taifa ya Mpira wa miguu ya Tanzania or simply refered to Taifa Stars will be participating at their second Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Their first appearance came in 1980 but couldn’t make it past the group stages.

Now coach Emmanuel Amunike has the chance to cement his legacy in Tanzanian Football folklore. An Afcon winner himself with the Super Eagles in 1994, Amunike has assembled a group of players who have the ability to stun their opponents.

Mostly made up locally based players from top teams in Tanzania with a blend of foreign contingent, Amunike has so many options in all departments.

The goalkeeping department is quality, shot stopper Aishi Manula who won the league with Simba Sporting Club brings a lot value to the squad, so are the other keepers, Aron Kalambo of TZ Prisons and Metacha Mhaya of Mbao FC.

The defense setup equally has good players like Hassan Ramadan (Nkana FC), Vincent Phillipo (Mbao FC), Gadiel Michael (Young Africans), Ally Mtoni (Lipuli FC) and Erasto Nyoni (Simba).

Amunike also has many options in midfield with Farid Mussa of Tenerife and Yahya Zayd who plays Ismailia. For goals he could call upon the services of strikers Rashid Mandawa, Mbwana Samatta, Thomas Ulimwengu and John Bocco.

Tanzania are in Group C alongside African powerhouses Senegal and Algeria, with Kenya completing the group.

The East Africans will open their AFCON 2019 campaign against Senegal on Sunday, June 23. They will line up against Egypt on Thursday at Borg Al Arab Stadium for a friendly encounter ahead of the tournament.

Full Tanzania squad:

Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula (Simba SC),Metacha Mhata (Mbao FC) and Aron Kalambo (TZ Prisons)

Defenders: Hassan Ramadan (Nkana FC), Vincent Phillipo (Mbao FC), Gadiel Michael (Young Africans), Ally Mtoni (Lipuli FC), Mohammed Hussein (Simba SC), Kelvin Yondani (Young Africans), Erasto Nyoni (Simba SC) and Agrey Moris (Azam FC)

Midfielders: Feisal Salum (Young Africans), Himid Mao (Petrojet FC), Mudathir Yahya (Azam FC), Frank Domayo (Azam FC), Farid Mussa (Tenerife) and Yahya Zayd (Ismailia).

Strikers: Rashid Mandawa (BDF), Mbwana Samatta (Genk), Thomas Ulimwengu (JS Saoura), John Bocco (Simba SC), Abdillanie Mussa (Blackpool) and Simon Msuva (Difaä El Jadid)

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer