The Brave Warriors will today face probably one of their biggest matches yet when they clash against Burundi in a match that could usher them into next year’s African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The match starts at 15h00 and will be played at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania.
The Collin Benjamin-coached side are currently leading the standing with five points from three matches followed by Cameroon with four points and Burundi on third position with one point.
For the Warriors to go through, they will need to avoid a loss, as they only need a single point to secure their spot at the upcoming (Afcon) in Ivory Coast.
In an interview with SuperSport earlier this week, Benjamin said it’s up to the whole team to decide their fate.
“We have the ball in our hands to qualify for the nations cup. All our players are fit and in good spirits ahead of this match,” Benjamin said.
The Swallows have previously beaten the Brave Warriors; they emerged 3-1 victors during the Afcon 2017 qualifiers after going down by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture a few days earlier.
Meanwhile, former Brave Warriors assistant coach Woody Jacobs said the team is in good shape and believes they will get the job done today when they take on the Swallows.
“Like I said, the win against Cameroon was a catalyst and tomorrow is no difference. I think the team stands a good chance of going through as they are in top shape for this encounter. And what makes it more interesting is that the game will be played in Tanzania which is a new venue for both teams, so, it gives the team the hope to go through,” he said.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Edward Maova, Ndisiro Kamaijanda and Jonas Mateus; Defenders: Ryan Nyambe, Ivan Kamberipa, Steven Damaseb, Kennedy Amutenya, Denzel Haoseb, Ananias Gebhardt, Riaan Hanamub and Approcius Petrus; Midfielders: Reverend Matroos, Devin Somseb, Ngero Kanjuka, Dynamo Fredericks, Paulus Amutenya and Marcel Papama; Strikers: Absalom Iimbondi, Joslyn Kamatuka, Peter Shalulile, Bethuel Museu, Elmo Kambindu, Junior Petrus, Edmar Kamatuka and Wendell Rudath.
-Additional reporting SuperSport