Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta is optimistic that his side will collect maximum points in the Group C East African Derby of the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations against Kenya on Thursday June 27th.

Tanzania lost their opening game of the most prestigious tournament in Africa 2-0 to Senegal courtesy of goals from Keita Balde and Krepin Diatta, they are now looking to get their campaign back on track with a win over Harambee Stars.

“On that game, I think we really need to prepare ourselves for it because I don’t think Kenya are much better than us,” Samatta said.

The 26-year-old is hopeful that his side can easily bounce back against their East African neighbors who he believes are not a threat to them.

“They are not like Senegal or Algeria so maybe it can be the game we can do something. They are tough opponent also; it is not going to be an easy game.”

“But we have to prepare well to earn points against them. And then see what we can do in our last game,” he noted.

Kenya lost their opener against Algeria 2-0 and a loss to either sides will mean early elimination from the competition, so both sides are targeting maximum points which will make the game so competitive.

After Kenya, Tanzania will face Algeria in their last group game on July 1st at the 30 June Stadium, if they can collect four points from the remaining games, maybe a knockout slot might be in sight.