2027 AFCONQ: Why we lost 3-1 to Super Eagles – Tanzania head coach, Gamondi
Miguel Gamondi, the head coach of Tanzania’s national football team, acknowledged a significant disparity in skill and experience between his squad and Nigeria following a 3-1 defeat in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
The match saw Tanzania equalize briefly when Alphonce Msanga scored, leveling the score after Alhassan Yusuf’s early goal for Nigeria. However, Nigeria regained control after halftime, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring two goals within eight minutes to secure the victory.
In an interview with TFF TV, Gamondi praised his players for their effort and determination on the field. “We knew we were playing against a big team,” he said. “We made one mistake in just two minutes, which was the worst scenario. But we came back to equalize and finish the first half on level terms.”
He noted the challenges faced in the second half, citing Nigeria’s strategic substitutions and strong physical presence. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Gamondi admitted that the quality gap was evident. “Honestly, it’s the level we have; we don’t have much more than that,” he said. “When you make one mistake, they punish you.”
Gamondi emphasized the importance of the match as a learning experience for his team. “We need to give credit to Nigeria; for me, they are one of the best teams in Africa,” he stated. He expressed a commitment to continue improving, recognizing the need for ongoing development to bridge the gap with more established teams.
