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The game carries equal significance for either nation, with Tanzania looking to improve their chances of qualifying for the AFCON to be held in Ivory Coast, while Niger’s chances hang by a thread.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers intensify, the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium sets the stage for a riveting encounter between Tanzania and Niger.
The game carries equal significance for either nation, with Tanzania looking to improve their chances of qualifying for the AFCON to be held in Ivory Coast, while Niger’s chances hang by a thread.
The Mena of Niger have had a challenging quest for their first-ever AFCON appearance since 2013, having collected only two point from four games in Group F.
They are also on a run of nine consecutive away games without a win across all competitions, with defeat on Sunday ending their campaign.
The Taifa Stars, led by head coach Adel Amrouche, are still ruing their luck, having gone within 90 minutes of securing the second spot in the group, going into matchday four of the qualifier.
Tanzania had got their campaign up and running after a 1-0 victory over neighbours Uganda in Egypt, sent crashing back to earth as they were beaten 1-0 by Uganda in the second of their group double-header at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
With four points from a possible 12, Adel Amrouche's men are currently second in Group F, eight points behind first-placed Algeria and two above Sunday's visitors, who are rooted to the bottom of the table.
Victory will rekindle Tanzania’s hopes of qualifying prior to facing Algeria in their last group game. The Desert Foxes, still with a perfect record have already qualified for the finals in Abidjan.
Uganda will host Algeria at Japoma Stadium in Cameroon in the other group F encounter. Just like Taifa Stars, Uganda have collected four points from their four matches.
Tanzania, who are in search of a third AFCON appearance since 1980, head into the weekend on a run of one win in their last seven home matches, while losing four and claiming two draws since September 2021.
Amrouche will be without two key figures for the game including captain Mbwana Samatta and goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who could be replaced by Benno Kakolanya.
Simon Msuva, who has scored 18 international goals in 77 appearances, and scored the winner against Uganda in March will be crucial in Tanzania's quest for victory.
Additionally, the introduction of young talent Bernard Kamungo, earning his maiden call-up to the national team, injects a fresh dimension of excitement and unpredictability into Tanzania's attacking options.
Striker Daniel Sosah, with two goals in the qualifiers, will shoulder the responsibility of leading Niger's offensive charge and pose a threat to the Tanzanian defence.
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