TANZANIA coach Marcio Maximo is conceded that Rwanda will not be easy opponents. Tanzania’s commanding 6-0 win over Somalia meant that they would have to see off Amavubi Stars before qualifying for next year’s CHAN competition in Sudan.

The two sides clash on May 4 in Dar es Salaam for the first before the second leg on June 6 in Kigali for a place to the finals in Sudan.

"We have to up our game if we are to stop the Rwanda team because they are no pushovers,” the Brazilian whose contract with the team expires in July told Tanzania’s local press. 

On Saturday, Taifa Stars humbled Somalia in a one sided match held at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam but Maximo concedes that the team needs to stay focused because Rwanda is a much tougher side.

"They (Amavubi Stars) are a compact side. We have played them several times and have never been an easy side.”

Maximo is seeking a second successive qualification to the competition which was claimed by DRC last year in Ivory Coast. On the other hand, Amavubi assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana is also conscious.

"Tanzania are a good team and we need to prepare well to have a good chance of qualifying,” the former AS Kigali coach said.

En route the final qualifying round, Rwanda got a bye in the first round following Eritrea’s withdrawal.

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