Tanzania's national football team, Taifa Stars, has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) assignments with the arrival of foreign-based players Bernard Kamungo and Tarryn Allarakhia. The two players joined the team's camp, adding to the squad's attacking options under head coach Miguel Gamondi. Kamungo, who plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side FC Dallas in the United States, and Allarakhia, an England-based forward who plays for Rochdale, were part of Gamondi's 42-man provisional squad announced for the September international window.
Kamungo, 24, has been in impressive form for FC Dallas this season, making 16 appearances and accumulating 1,230 minutes, with four assists to his name. Since joining the first team in 2022, he has made 90 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. His return adds another dimension to Gamondi's plans as the coach continues to assess his foreign-based players. Kamungo was born in Tanzania and moved to the United States at the age of 14, rising through American football to reach the MLS.
Allarakhia, meanwhile, has previously represented Tanzania at international level, including during the 2026 FIFA Series in Rwanda. Rochdale confirmed his Tanzania call-up in March. His experience and skills will provide valuable options for Gamondi as the team prepares for their next international assignments. The arrival of Kamungo and Allarakhia comes after Cyprian Kachwele, Kibu Dennis, Simon Msuva, and Sabri Kondo became the latest foreign-based players to report to camp.
According to TFF information officer Clifford Ndimbo, more overseas-based players are expected to join the squad. The team is preparing for their next international assignments, with Tanzania scheduled to face Guinea-Bissau at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Madagascar on September 29. These competitive fixtures provide Gamondi with an opportunity to assess his squad and build combinations ahead of the Afcon tournament.
Although Tanzania, as one of the three co-hosts of Afcon 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, have already secured their place at the finals, the upcoming matches against Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will be crucial in preparing the team for the tournament. The team's performance in these matches will provide valuable insights for Gamondi as he fine-tunes his squad.
The addition of Kamungo and Allarakhia to the squad is a significant boost for Taifa Stars, who are looking to make a strong impression at the Afcon tournament. With their skills and experience, they will be expected to play key roles in the team's attacking lineup. The team's preparations are being closely watched by fans and analysts, who are eager to see how the team will perform in the tournament.
As the team continues to prepare for the Afcon tournament, the upcoming matches against Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will provide a stern test of their abilities. With the support of their foreign-based players, Taifa Stars will look to make a strong impression and build momentum ahead of the tournament. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, who are eager to see how the team will perform in the Afcon tournament.
Key points
- Tanzania's Taifa Stars get boost with arrival of foreign-based players Bernard Kamungo and Tarryn Allarakhia ahead of Afcon assignments.
