Taifa Stars squad for Egypt clash announced

Tanzania coach, Boniface Mkwasa has named a 27-man squad for next month’s AFCON 2017 penultimate qualifier against Egypt in Dar es Salaam.

There were only five new players from the previous squad with the recall of former captain Nadir Haroub headlining the squad announcement.

Mkwasa also recalled Azam FC central defender Aggrey Morris for the first time since June last year whereas Juma Mahadhi from Coastal Union gets a first call-up. Hassan Kambunda from Mwadui and goal stopper Beno Kakolanya from Tanzania Prisons are back in the team.

The Taifa Stars are due to face neighbours Kenya in a friendly on Sunday, 29 May 2016 in Nairobi, before returning to Dar es Salaam to host the Egyptians six days later.

“After the Kenya friendly, I will know who is fit to play against Egypt. It is a crucial game for us. We need to win it at any ‘cost’ as it will give us insight into the last game against Nigeria” he said.

The Tanzania coach has refused to give up on the hopes of reaching the continental showpiece event despite Egypt needing just a point to wrap up the group. The Pharaohs have seven points, with Nigeria and Tanzania in the order with two and one point respectively.

“We have two games and everything is possible. We have to fight to win in good goal average so that we can qualify,” added Mkwasa.

Tanzania lost 3-0 to Egypt in the reverse in Alexandria last June.

Full Squad