Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke says he has turned his attention fully on preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, where he hopes to make more marks, following his historic feat of taking Tanzania back to the continental soccer showpiece after a 39-year absence.
Sports247.ng reports that a 3-0 win at home against Uganda on Sunday, coupled with a draw for Lesotho away to Cape Verde, meant the 1994 African Footballer of The Year took Tanzania back to the Nations Cup.
Amuneke also became the second Nigerian from the Tunisia ’94 AFCON winning Eagles, after Stephen Keshi with Togo, to qualify another African country for the continental soccer showpiece.
Come June, Amuneke will lead The Taifa Stars to only their second AFCON outing ever after, incidentally, getting their debut in his country, Nigeria, when he was just 10 years old.
In response to his historic feat, the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets coach said he is happy to achieve as much for Tanzania, but stressed that they have to put the celebrations aside in order to start preparing well for the championship proper.
Amuneke admitted he is happy to make history with Tanzania, who finished second in Group L with eight points, five behind Uganda, and said they now have to start making plans for a solid outing in Egypt.
Amuneke stated: “It was an honour to have been given the opportunity to achieve great things with Tanzania football.
“Qualification for the 2019 AFCON was always going to be a tough task but the hard work and belief the team had got us through.
“I’m proud that what we set out to do as our first objective has been met. Now we plan for Egypt 2019 AFCON.”
