The Taifa Stars of Tanzania have qualified for the 2019 AFCON as soccer fans in Ebonyi celebrate with former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke as its helmsman.
According to report, the former Zamalek of Egypt winger’s team defeated Uganda 3-0 on Sunday to qualify for the competition being staged in June by Egypt where he practiced as a player.
The qualification is said to be historic as it was the country’s first AFCON appearance since the 1980 edition which was by the way staged by Amuneke’s home country, Nigeria.
Desmond Ome, Ebonyi Football Association (FA) Secretary, congratulated Amuneke and Nigerians for the feat and stated that it was made possible through hard work.
He said “The victory was achieved because the players, officials and the Tanzanian FA members keyed-into Amuneke’s hard work mantra.
“He made it clear from the onset that the AFCON qualification was his target and sought the collaboration of relevant stakeholders to achieve the feat.”
Also the Abakaliki striker of Colombian FC, Ejike Egbo said that Amuneke had a memorable playing career and is doing well as a coach.
According to him “Amuneke was an AFCON winner, an Olympic Games gold medalist, played for the great Barcelona FC of Spain and became the fifth coach to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup for Nigeria in 2015.
“The Tanzanian FA should be commended for reposing confidence in him with the required support as this should serve as a lesson to other soccer federations.”
Chief Joseph Igboke, a Timber Merchant, stated that Amuneke’s accomplishment goes to show that no matter how they are rated, Nigerian coaches are full of potential.
He said “Nigeria’s five triumphs in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, two silver medals in the U-20 category among others were achieved by local coaches who are still sought after around the world.
“The late Stephen Keshi led lowly-rated Togo to its first World Cup in 2006 and Amuneke’s feat shows that with equal opportunities like their white counterparts, Nigerian coaches are always successful.”
