Munishi ruled out of Nigeria Afcon match

Dar es Salaam. National soccer team (Taifa Stars) head coach, Charles Mkwasa has summoned JKT Ruvu goalkeeper Said Kipao to replace Deogratius Munishi who will be attending his father’s funeral.

Munishi, who is Taifa Stars first-choice shot-stopper, lost his father on Sunday, the same day he kept a clean sheet in Yanga’s 3-0 annihilation of African Lyon.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Deo’s father. We have therefore decided to give him time to mourn the loss with his family and friends. On behalf of the team, we offer our sincerest condolences to the Munishi family,” said Mkwasa.

“This means that Munishi will not be available for the match against Nigeria. We have one goalkeeper only and it is impossible for the team to travel to Lagos without a reserve goalie,” said Mkwasa.

“I have decided to call up Kipao from JKT Ruvu. He is a good goalkeeper; I believe that he will be a good backup for Manula (Aishi).”

Kipao amazed soccer lovers on Saturday with several classic saves when his team played out a goalless draw against Simba SC in a contested Vodacom Premier League match at the National Stadium.

“He was at his best against Simba. His performance was flawless and we were all impressed and we hope that he will bring that quality to the national team,” Mkwasa said.

Taifa Stars are shaping up for their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group G match against Nigeria that will take place at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.

The match will, however, have no impact in the qualification for both teams. The two are out of contention for a place in next year’s finals planned for Gabon.

The outspoken coach disclosed that Yanga and Taifa Stars long-serving central defender Kelvin Yondani is the only player who has yet to report at camp.

“All local players are already at the camp with the exception of Yondani. I don’t know why he hasn’t reported because even his phone is switched off,” he said.

“I hope that he will come in the evening, but if he doesn’t show up then I will have to replace him immediately.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have begun preparations ahead of Saturday match.

The Eagles will be camped at Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Southern Nigeria.

New coach Gernot Rohr has already released a list of 23 players for the match.

The Eagles will miss the 2017 Afcon for the second successive time after failing to defeat the pharaohs of Egypt in the two matches played in March. The withdrawal of Chad meant that only the top team could qualify from the group.