Tanzania look to secure AFCON spot

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Mar 24, 2019. 12:00

Tanzania will aim to secure the one of the last remaining berths at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when they host Group L rivals Uganda at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, 24 March, kick-off at 17h00 CAT.

While Uganda are sitting pretty at the top of the log and have guaranteed a spot at the AFCON, Tanzania are third with five points and involved in a three-way tussle with Lesotho (five points) and Cape Verde (four points) to join the Cranes at the finals.

The Taifa Stars’ fate will hinge not only on this East African derby against Uganda, but also on the outcome of the concurrent Group L match in Praia between the Blue Sharks and Likuena.

Emmanuel Amunike’s side must win in Dar es Salaam and hope that Cape Verde deny Lesotho a win – only this combination of results would see Tanzania qualify for their first AFCON finals since 1980.

The hosts will hope that captain and star forward Mbwana Samatta brings his club form to the international stage: the 26-year-old has scored 29 goals across all competitions for Belgian side Genk this season.

Uganda and Tanzania played out a 0-0 draw in their first group match in Kira in September last year.

Gabonese referee Eric Otogo-Castane will take charge of the match in Dar Es Salaam.