Simon Msuva believes Tanzania has what it takes to cause an upset at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite being one of the minnows at the tournament in the Ivory Coast next January.
The Taifa Stars were paired in Group F alongside Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia and are considered the least likeliest team to make it into the knockout phase.
Msuva however believes their experience in the competition and having played DR Congo and Zambia previously gives them a bit of an edge.
“We have already gained experience in this competition and we are aware of the strength of these two teams we’ve played before,” the Tanzanian forward told the CAF website.
“The important thing is for us to go and fight hard. Even those nations seen as African football giants started like us. We are now going up and I’m sure we will shock them.”
Tanzania imepangwa kundi F AFCON 2023 ????????????????@taifastars_ @azamtvtz pic.twitter.com/ZY5RpJUPAs
— TAIFA STARS (@TaifaStars_) October 12, 2023
Another Tanzania forward, Novatus Dismas, echoed Msuva’s words, stating: “There are no big names anymore in football. We will not be weak but will fight hard as the nation’s hope.”
Tanzania are making only their third AFCON appearance having previously appeared in 1980 and 2019 but failed to make it out of the group phase.
