Tanzania has sent a strong message to Kenya ahead of a football clash between the two teams in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), this Thursday.

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Speaking on Tuesday, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda said that Taifa Stars of Tanzania would redeem themselves by beating Harambee Stars.

Mr Makonda expressed anger at the intense criticism that Taifa Stars players had been subjected to, after suffering a 2-0 loss to Senegal.

"Nimeongea na Captain Samata na nimewemwambia ya kwamba tumwonyesheshe mweshiwa rais kwamba tuko pamoja naye. Hata Kama tumedondoka na Senegal, tunanyanyuka na ndugu zetu Wakenya. Lazima wataona moto. (I have spoken with Captain Samata and told him to show that the players are together with the president. Even if we lost to Senegal, we are going to rise by defeating our brothers in Kenya. They will see fire)," Mr Makonda said.

The two teams have no option but to win their next match, in order to stand a chance to qualify for the round of 16. 

Kenya lost to the Desert Foxes of Algeria 2-0 at the 30, June Stadium.

Algeria and Senegal sit at the top of Group C with three points each, and only need a win to progress to the knock-out stages.