Afcon 2019: Sleek-looking Taifa Stars off to Egypt

Just under two weeks to the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Tanzania have flown out to Egypt where they will be having their final preparations for the tournament.

The Taifa Stars, who will be making their second appearance at Africa’s major showpiece, become the first nation arrive for the 32nd edition of the Afcon slated for June 21 to July 19.

Head coach Emmanuel Amuneke initially called 39 players for a residential camping and trimmed the list to 32 for Friday’s trip including teenage star Kelvin John who grabbed the headlines at the recently held U-17 Afcon tournament.

Some big names and fan favourites failed to impress the Nigerian tactician. They include Simba SC duo Shomari Kapombe and Jonas Mkude, who enjoyed a stellar season with the Tanzanian champions.

Also, Yanga SC forward Ibrahim Ajib, who was expected to add some firepower to the team’s attacking prowess, missed out on a spot for the journey.

Other players hit by the Nigerian’s axe include Kassim Khamis, Ally Ally, Kennedy Wilson and Ayoub Lyanga.

Wachezaji wa Timu ya Taifa ya Tanzania “Taifa Stars” Ally Mtoni na Fred Tangalu wakitoka Hotelini kuelekea Uwanja wa Ndege kwa safari ya Misri kwenye Kambi ya maandalizi ya AFCON pic.twitter.com/7WTOqpQFEz

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) June 7, 2019

Tanzania will play two friendlies against tournament hosts Egypt and Zimbabwe on June 13 and 16 respectively before wrapping preparations.

Taifa Stars find themselves in Group C of Afcon 2019 where they are billed to face East African rivals Kenya, Senegal and Algeria.

Travelling squad: