Bring on the Cranes, says Stars coach Amunike

Dar es Salaam. Taifa Stars head coach, Emmanuel Amunike says his team has all it takes to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals at the expense of Uganda Cranes.

Stars, now camping in the city, face Uganda Cranes in a crucial Group L clash at the National Stadium on Sunday.

A win for Amunike’s men in the anxiously awaited qualifier, would see them book a place in the Afcon finals for the first time in 39 years.

For Uganda Cranes, it will be a mere formality game as they are among teams that have qualified for the finals to be held in Egypt in June.

Taifa Stars need not only a win against the Cranes, but also pray that Cape Verde beat or force Lesotho to a draw in another Group L match.

“We are playing against a strong opponent, but, we are ready. We are a strong team especially in front of club supporters,” the Nigerian tactician said.

“It is important that we make the most out of home ground advantage and win,” he added.

Their first ever appearance in the Afcon finals dates back to 1980.

in Nigeria. Their efforts to repeat that memorable feat have always ended miserably.

But Amunike assured Tanzanians yesterday that nothing will stop them making it to the Egypt finals.

“We are playing against a strong opponent, but, we are ready. We are a strong team especially in front of club supporters,” the Nigerian tactician said.

“It is important that we make the most out of home ground advantage and win,” he added.