AFCON 2023 Q: TAIFA Stars shine bright against Niger, as Uganda’s path darkens

Tanzania held on for a 1-0 win through Saimon Msuva’s 69th-minute goal, putting them in pole position to qualify from Group F behind Algeria, which has already booked its place at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The TAIFA Stars have defeated Niger 1-0 to make a step further towards qualifying for the Africa cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The crucial game at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday afternoon saw Simon Msuva net the solitary goal.

He received a timely assist from left back Novatus Dismas who quizzed two Niger defenders inside the box before releasing a sweet pass.

With the output, Stars have gathered seven points in five matches with one game to spare versus Algeria (away).

It is a second win for the country’s envoys in the unfolding AFCON qualifiers and their first home triumph. Tanzania’s chances are further enhanced by Uganda’s defeat to Algeria in Cameroon. A draw against Algeria will see Tanzania through to the tournament finals, no matter what happens in the Uganda-Niger bout.

For Niger, the setback has ended their dreams of making it to the finals as they remain glued at the bottom of the group with 2 points.