Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has said the gap and quality between his side and Nigeria’s Super Eagles is very big.
Gamondi said this following his side’s 3-1 defeat to the Super Eagles, in Friday’s matchday 3, 2027 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
The Super Eagles got off to a perfect start as Alhassan Yusuf broke the deadlock just two minutes into the game.
In the 32nd minute Tanzania equalised through Alphonce Msanga before substitute Tolu Arokodare bagged a brace in the 52nd and 60 th minutes, to secure the three points.
The victory means the Super Eagles, now on six points, are just one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who were held to a 1-1 by Madagascar.
Speaking in an interview with TFF TV, Gamondi said:”I want to congratulate my players for the fight, the spirit, how they run, they put in everything inside the pitch. We knew we were playing against a big team, we committed one mistake in just two minutes which was the worst scenario but we came back to equalise to draw the first half.
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“We knew in the first 15 minutes of the second half they will come to press us, we saw the changes they made, they kept their big players on the bench. Physically they are very strong and even with that we tried to play, we battled, we created three, four chances as well but honestly it’s the level we have, we don’t have much more than that, the gap and quality between us and Nigeria is very big, when you make one mistake they punish you.”
Gamondi said the game against the Super Eagles will serve as a good learning experience for Tanzania.
“We need to give credit to Nigeria, for me they are one of the best teams in Africa and Tanzania needs to continue working because this kind of game gives us something to learn to see our level. We will keep working and try to do our best like I repeat there’s a big difference, the condition, the players but we deserve credit.”
The Argentine also urged the fans to keep supporting the Taifa Stars.
He added:”Tanzania is already in the Cup of Nations but the people must be realistic we are like 115 in the FIFA ranking but we need encouragement because that’s the only way the players can give more by feeling the support of the fans.”
By James Agberebi
