Amunike desperate to break Tanzania’s 38-year AFCON jinx

Tanzania are on the brink of ending their near four-decade wait for Africa Cup of Nations qualification, and will qualify for the tournament if they beat Lesotho at the Setsoto Stadium on Sunday. Heading into the Taifa Stars’ final group game, the East Africans sit on five points, one clear of Cape Verde having played one match fewer.

The islanders were defeated 1-0 by Uganda on Saturday, and would be unable to catch Tanzania if Emmanuel Amunike’s side defeat Lesotho on Sunday.

“The players know what’s at stake, and we are going to fight to get maximum points because the game is like a final,” Amunike told ESPN.

“We are one unit and we shall play as a team to get the results,” he added. “The few days of camping in South Africa have helped the team adjust to conditions and also prepare better away from any interruption back in Tanzania.

“It has been 38 years since Tanzania last made it to the AFCON and we know this game against Lesotho could be the decider to get us there.”

After failing to win in their first three matches, the Stars revived their qualification chances after a 2-0 home win over Cape Verde which sent them second on the group.