Tanzania’s national team coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has stated sheer delight with his lad’s ability to pick up an away draw during his first match in charge, and says it is the sign of a new breed for the team.
Speaking in the wake of The Taifa Stars’ valuable point away in Uganda on Saturday, the former Super Eagles winger and African Footballer of the Year 1994 said it was amazing that he got the result after spending only ten days with the squad.
Amuneke said he was happy that his efforts ensured Tanzania remained unbeaten after two rounds as they held their nerves to force out a goalless draw.
Having picked up two points from their opening two games, Tanzania will next face a tricky test away to Cape Verde next month, before hosting the return leg four days later, and Amuneke is staying upbeat for better results along the way.
Amuneke hailed his players’ performance after the game, and he was pleased with the way they quickly adapted to his style despite their short time together.
Amuneke added that he was also relieved to emerge with his head held high from the game in Kampala, and promised that his team will improve, in order to outshine Uganda, Cape Verde and in the group, as they seek a return to AFCON action next year.
Uganda remain top of the standings in Group L with four points from two matches, while Tanzania now have two points.
He added he is happy with the commitment shown by his players, who are determined to qualify for AFCON 2019, after they last featured in African football’s showpiece event in 1980, when Nigeria hosted the competition.
Next month, Amuneke’s team battle Cape Verde in a double-header beginning with the first leg at home, and the player-turned-gaffer said he will do everything to make his lads ready.
The former Barcelona of Spain star said: “We looked at ourselves and worked with our strengths. I have only been with the team for 10 days.
“I am really happy with them. They want to be a new breed of Tanzanian players. I have only been with this team for 10 days.
“So, getting a draw in our first match was not a bad result especially as we were playing away from home.
“I am really happy with the performance and definitely convinced that the team would only get better. We will look at ourselves and continue to work on our strengths.”
