Tunisia and Senegal cruised past Uganda and Botswana while Nigeria teetered past Tanzania, whose birthday boy skipper says the 2027 Cup of Nations might be one too far.
Tanzanian template
Has Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi shown the rest of the tournament how to overcome Nigeria? Following his side's 2-1 defeat, the 59-year-old Argentine said that once his players were able to keep position and switch directions, they offered more of a threat. Even though Nigeria responded rapidly following Kokola M'Mombwa's 50th minute equaliser, they could not conjure up a third goal. Tanzania had three excellent chances in the last five or so minutes to procure an equaliser for the second time.
Win. Get better
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle wore the glazed look of a man who had felt the Grim Reaper's spiny fingers scrape upon his pate. "We did a lot of good things in the first half to create chances to score," insisted the 48-year-old former Mali international after Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Tanzania. The Nigerians went in at half-time leading 1-0. Second half? O Eric, what a falling-off was there! While it didn't melt down à la Shakespearean tragedy, the dénouement was a comedy of errors. Shoddy Nigerian defending coupled with poor Tanzanian marksmanship helped Nigeria to the win. "We are happy for the three points," Chelle deadpanned." And the most important thing in the Cup of Nations is to improve in every game."
Look to the future
Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi admitted that preparing the team for the 2027 Cup of Nations will be one of his prime concerns during the 2025 Cup of Nations. Tanzania will co-host the 24-team extravaganza with Kenya and Uganda. "We are not here in Morocco to participate but to compete," said Gamondi. "We know our limitations and we need to manage that and try to win the games."
Birthday boy feels the strain
Tanzania skipper Mbwana Samatta celebrated his 33rd birthday on Day 3. And after 14 years in the national team, he told RFI he is feeling his age. "I don't think I have the legs to continue to the 2027 tournament but I'll see," Samatta said after the 2-1 defeat against Nigeria. Samatta, who plays for the French side Le Havre, has turned out for clubs in Belgium, England and Greece after starting his career at Simba SC in Tanzania. "I'll try to manage myself," he added. "But it's going to be tough to be there in 2027. I will try to see if it can happen but the coach will decide that. I'll be happy to help if they want me but if they decide not, then I'll be also happy to watch and support the boys."
Brace yourself
Nicolas Jackson announced his predatory skills in Senegal's 3-0 demolition of Botswana in Group D. The 24-year-old scored two goals for one of the tournament favourites to take them top of the pool following Democratic Republic of Congo's 1-0 win over Benin. Ellyes Achouri also bagged a brace. He was the main man in Tunisia's 3-1 stroll past Uganda in Group C as both outfits outlined the way to deal effectively with minnows.
