Coach of Tanzania, Manuel Gomandi, is happy over his team’s performance despite their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in their opening game at the AFCON on Tuesday.

He said the Taifa Stars players must have surprised many people with their performance against the African giants.

Semi Ajayi and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman scored in each half to give Nigeria their first win of the tournament in Morocco.

Gomandi told journalists after the game that the performance of his players was great.

“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team…everything was great.

“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we will come here to pack the bus, which is not my philosophy…”

Tanzania must now beat Uganda in their next game for a chance to stay on in the competition.

Uganda were beaten 3-1 by Tunisia in the other game of Group C.