Mind game? Tanzania coach Ndayiragije claims pressure is on Migne

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars newly appointed head coach Etienne Ndayiragije  is calm ahead of African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier return match away to Kenya, saying pressure is on his counterpart Sebastien Migne.

This is after seeing the two sides battle to a barren draw on Sunday at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a result he described a “sign of progress.”

The Burundian, who took over from Nigerian Emmanuel Amuneke early this month, underscored his charges showed winning mentality and the intention was clear from the start.

“I’m thankful to God and my team that at least we avoided conceding at home. That would have complicated our plans for the second leg.

“I saw the willingness in my team. Physically we have also made good strides in the short time I have handled them. I will be under no pressure going to Nairobi, and I now know better what the opponents have and lack,” offered the former Comoros coach.

Despite surviving a few real onslaughts in the second half, Ndayiragije chest thumped his side was better and only lacked the sharpness of the final ball on the opponent’s goal.

“We had several chances to score, and that gives me hope if we work on the finishing aspect we can beat them (Kenya) at home. I can get a goal or two away.”

At least a 1-1 draw will be enough to see Tanzania advance to the last round of qualifiers against Sudan, for the Cameroon CHAN 2020 tournament set for January.

Young but experienced

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Juma Kaseja who stood in for Manula in the match has laughed off claims Ndayiragije has overlooked young players for an old guard, while the idea behind CHAN being exposing youthful local players overshadowed by the foreign pros.

“I I’m not old, maybe I started playing at a very tender age so my name is so common among the football fans in Tanzania. My duty remains doing the best for my country anytime I’m called upon, like I did today (Sunday),” the KMC custodian answered.

Kaseja has been in the team for close to two decades, the oldest member of the current set up.

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pressure Sebastien Migne Taifa Stars African Nations Championship (Chan). Etienne Ndayiragije

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