Tanzania coach Boniface Mkwasa is refusing to give up hopes of reaching the 2017 African Cup of Nations, hoping to beat Egypt in a good goal average to reach the tournament’s finals.

The Taifa Stars are set to host Egypt in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers on 4 June in the Pharaohs’ last round of the qualifiers, while Tanzania still have a game in hand against Nigeria.

“It is a crucial game for us. We need to win it at any cost as it will give us insight into the last game against Nigeria,” Mkwasa was quoted as saying on CAF’s official website.

A draw or even a defeat by a two-goal margin will see Egypt, who are at the top of the group with seven points, reach the Nations Cup for the first time since 2010.

Tanzania lie second on a solitary point and their only hope is winning by more than a two-goal margin to gain the upper hand in the head-to-head record and then defeat Nigeria, having suffered a 3-0 defeat by Egypt in their opening qualifier in June last year.

“We have two games and everything is possible. We have to fight to win in good goal average so that we can qualify,” the Tanzania coach added.

Tanzania will face neighbours Kenya in a friendly on 29 May in Nairobi within preparations for the crucial game against Egypt.

“After the Kenya friendly, I will know who is fit to play against Egypt,” Mkwasa said.