Tanzania name 24-man squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria

Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has announced a 24-man squad for the Taifa Stars’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The selection is dominated by players from the Tanzania Premier League, with domestic clubs supplying most of the squad. League champions Yanga FC and Azam FC have the largest representation, with five players each.

Kagera Sugar and Singida Black Stars have one player apiece in the squad, while three members of Gamondi’s team are based outside Tanzania.

Novatus Miroshi, who plays for Turkish Super Lig club Goztepe, has been included alongside Cyprian Kachewele of Ukraine’s Kryvbas. Bernard Kamongo, who is with FC Dallas in the United States, is the other foreign-based player named.

Tanzania will enter the two matches looking to recover from a difficult start to their qualifying campaign. They opened with a 2-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau before drawing 1-1 with Madagascar in their second fixture.

Gamondi’s side will visit Nigeria for the third matchday encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13.

The return fixture will take place four days later, when Tanzania host Nigeria in Dar es Salaam.

The double-header will give both teams an opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign, with Tanzania seeking their first win after losing once and drawing once in their opening two matches.