Gamondi on Morocco Clash: 'I'll Face a Nation I Called Home, Where My Son Was Born'
Miguel Gamondi, head coach of the Tanzania national team, expressed the unique significance of the upcoming clash against Morocco in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16. He emphasized that the match holds exceptional human and professional dimensions for him, given his past association with Moroccan football and his experience within the Kingdom.
The coach explained that playing against the Atlas Lions brings back significant memories from his career. Speaking to the "Win Win" platform, he stated: "This match has a special character for me. I lived in Morocco for many important years, and I coached Hassania Agadir, Wydad AC, and Ittihad Tanger. Furthermore, my son was born in the city of Agadir."
Gamondi added that the feeling before this encounter differs from other matches. He elaborated: "Facing Morocco is played with a different emotion, as if I am facing a nation where I lived essential moments of my career."
Despite this emotional connection, the Tanzania coach stressed that the competitive aspect will remain strongly present. He affirmed that his national team would enter the match with a winning mentality and fierce determination, stating: "We respect the Moroccan national team greatly, but they are an opponent on the field. We will play with full competitiveness to deliver a strong performance and try to achieve an upset."
He also acknowledged the difficulty of the match and the immense pressure accompanying it, considering it a new historic opportunity for the Tanzania national team. He added: "We realize that the match will be difficult and charged with pressure, but it is a real opportunity to continue writing history."
Gamondi concluded his statements by emphasizing the evolving ambitions of the Tanzania national team, saying: "We no longer aspire only for an honorable participation; instead, we believe in our ability to go far in the tournament, relying on a strong team spirit and firm belief in the group's potential."
