Adel Amrouche, the head coach of the Tanzanian national team, firmly believes that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 stands as the most significant event in Africa, and his players are geared up to treat it as such.
Tanzania is currently finalizing its preparations for Cote d’Ivoire in the Egyptian capital of Cairo as they brace themselves for their third appearance, following their debut in Nigeria in 1980 and the 2019 appearance in Egypt, both of which concluded in the group stages.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com from the team’s training camp, which is set to conclude with an important friendly match against Egypt on Saturday, 07 January, the 55-year-old coach expressed that the players are eager to represent Tanzania at Africa’s biggest occasion.
“The players know that this is a big tournament and is the grandest occasion in Africa. It is going to give them significant exposure when they play against the prominent nations of African football. It is the greatest occasion, and it’s a good dream to play in the AFCON. I am happy for these players, and they deserve to be here,” said the former CR Belouizdad player.
Amrouche faces the challenging task of navigating past tournament favorites Morocco, two-time champions DR Congo, as well as 2012 champions Zambia in what is set to be a tough Group F in San Pedro.
“We have prepared well for Egypt (Friendly match). We are in good condition for training, and we are not far from the trip to Abidjan and waiting to start the competition. The more important thing will be in Cote d’Ivoire,” concluded the coach.
The Taifa Stars finished at the bottom of the group in both their 1980 and 2019 appearances, losing five out of the six matches played and drawing once against Cote d’Ivoire in their 1980 debut.
The East Africans kick off their campaign against Morocco on Wednesday, 17 January, before taking on Zambia four days later and concluding their Group F fixtures against DR Congo on 24 January.
Tanzania’s Record at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations:
This marks Tanzania’s third appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after 1980 and 2019. They finished at the bottom of their group on both occasions, losing five of their six matches (D1).
Tanzania has not kept a clean sheet in their six matches at the tournament. Only Zimbabwe (15), Mozambique (12), and Namibia (9) have played more matches in the competition without a clean sheet.
Among the 24 teams that will feature in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania scored the fewest goals during the qualifiers (3 in 6 games). Two of their three goals were scored by Simon Msuva.
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