UGANDA: TAIFA Stars Head Coach Miguel Gamondi has expressed confidence in his team ahead of their Group C Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against Uganda at Al Medina Stadium today, despite expecting a tough encounter.
He made the comments during a pre-match interview on Friday in Rabat ahead of Taifa Stars’ crucial clash with Uganda Cranes. Both teams are seeking their first win after losing their opening matches, with Tanzania falling 2-1 to Nigeria and Uganda going down 3-1 to Tunisia.
Following those results, Tunisia top the group with three points, while Nigeria are second, level on points but behind on goal difference. Tanzania and Uganda remain without points, though Tanzania are ahead of Uganda on goal difference.
Acknowledging the importance of the encounter, Gamondi described the match as a derby and intense, but expressed confidence that his team is prepared to secure a positive result. “It will be a derby and a difficult match, but quality and performance on the pitch will decide the outcome,” Gamondi noted.
The Argentine tactician highlighted his team’s star players as key to securing a positive result, citing striker Simon Msuva, Mbwana Samatta, Feisal Salum and Morice Abraham as players capable of making the difference, with Feisal back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension, a return Gamondi believes will strengthen the team’s chances.
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“We have players who can win this match. Now it’s about delivering on the pitch,” Gamondi concluded. He also acknowledged Uganda’s midfield strength, praising Khalid Aucho for his experience and influence on the game.
“He may not score often, but he is a complete midfielder with great impact. I have coached him in Tanzania before, and he is a very good player,” he said.
Gamondi underscored that despite Uganda’s reputation, his players are ready for the challenge and are focused on executing their game plan. He also noted that the timing of the match, amid a busy international calendar, is reasonable and allows adequate preparation for both teams.
Tanzania and Uganda will meet in what promises to be a fiercely contested Group C fixture, with Gamondi confident that his side’s mix of talent and readiness will see them perform at their best.
Uganda coach Paul Put acknowledged the challenge of facing Tanzania in what he described as well as a tough and important derby.
He stressed the need for his players to show commitment and determination on the pitch, saying: “Playing a derby is always difficult, but players must fight hard and prove they can compete at the international level.” Put also noted the difference in opportunities for East African players compared with their West African counterparts, urging his squad to give their all despite the challenges.