‘We Almost Surprised the Super Eagles,’ Says Tanzania Coach Gamondi

Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi has praised his side’s spirited performance against Nigeria, insisting Tanzania played far better than many had imagined in their opening Group C clash at the Africa Cup of Nations in Fes, Morocco.

Nigeria, chasing a fourth continental crown, opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory on Tuesday evening.

The Super Eagles took the lead nine minutes before half-time when Semi Ajayi rose highest to head home Alex Iwobi’s corner, moments after Victor Osimhen had seen his close-range effort cleared off the line by Bakari Mwamnyeto.

The first half was largely controlled by Nigeria, with Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon stretching the Tanzanian defence through pace and movement.

Yet the Eagles failed to extend their advantage before the break, leaving the Taifa Stars with hope.

The second half began in dramatic fashion. Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead with a clever backheel finish, but VAR ruled the effort offside. Tanzania seized the momentum almost immediately, as Novatus Dismas split the defence with a precise pass that allowed Charles M’Mbowa to race through and calmly slot past Stanley Nwabali for the equaliser.

However, Tanzania’s celebrations were short-lived. Within sixty seconds, Lookman produced a moment of brilliance, curling an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box to restore Nigeria’s lead.

From then on, the Super Eagles managed the game with maturity, keeping possession and limiting clear chances. Tanzania pressed for a late equaliser and came close when Ibrahim Hamad volleyed wide from a corner, but Nigeria held firm to secure the points.

Reflecting on the contest, Gamondi expressed pride in his players’ resilience and tactical discipline.

‘I think Tanzania played better than many people expected. Nigeria had a lot of possession, but we neutralised them well through our tactical system.

‘They did create chances, but most of them came from individual quality, which is not surprising. Overall, I believe we surprised a lot of people with the quality of our performance against Nigeria today,’ the Argentine coach said.