Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has taken encouragement from his side’s performance despite a 2–1 defeat to Nigeria in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match, insisting the result did not reflect the identity his team showed on the pitch.
Responding to a Footy-Africa question after the Group C encounter, Gamondi said Tanzania stayed true to their philosophy and refused to approach the game with fear against one of the tournament favourites.
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“How we applied the game model, the tactical issues, how we tried to block the lines and passes, how we reduced the space, everything was great,” Gamondi said. “The performance was great. I think we probably surprised many people because they expected Tanzania to come here, sit deep, park the bus and not even cross the halfway line.”
Nigeria took the lead in the first half when defender Semi Ajayi glanced home a header from an Alex Iwobi cross. Tanzania responded positively after the break and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Charles M’Mombwa finished from close range after a lofted delivery from Novatus Miroshi.
However, parity was short-lived as Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage just two minutes later, shifting onto his left foot before firing into the top corner.
“This is not my philosophy, this is not my style,” Gamondi added. “My style is to convince the players that we can defend and we must defend, but we also need to play and attack. We cannot show too much respect to the opponent. That is the idea.”
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Despite the defeat, Gamondi believes the performance offers a solid platform for Tanzania going into their remaining group matches, confident that discipline and bravery can still bring rewards.
