Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba claims that the Taifa Stars of Tanzania can win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, currently underway in Ivory Coast.

During his analysis on Kenya’s national broadcaster on Wednesday, January 17, Namwamba asserted that Taifa Stars initially considered one of the weakest teams in the tournament, could cause an upset and clinch the championship.

Namwamba stated, “Anything is possible in football. If recent history has taught us anything, it is that there are no more underdogs in football. I am East African. The East African in me is urging Tanzania, telling them, I believe you can put up a good fight.”

Before Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Morocco, Tanzania had played six matches at the continental showpiece. Of these six, they managed only a draw (in 1980) and suffered five losses. A win still remains elusive.

In both the 1980 and 2019 editions, the East African nation finished at the bottom of the group. However, Namwamba is not allowing himself to be carried away by history, as he throws his support behind the neighbors.

“Everybody can pretty much beat everybody. No one gave Morocco a chance during the World Cup in Qatar, but they went all the way to the semi-finals. Nothing stops Tanzania from doing well,” remarked the Sports CS.

Tanzania’s AFCON demons resurrect as they are beaten by Morocco

Not many Tanzanians will want to remember their team’s maiden bow at their third appearance at the AFCON as they were served a 3-0 beating by Morocco.

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Morocco, ranked first in Africa and 13th globally by FIFA, wielded their prowess against Tanzania, scoring in both halves and taking charge of Group F as matchday one concluded.