2027 AFCON qualifiers: Bernard Kamungo earns second consecutive Tanzania call-up for crucial Nigeria game

FC Dallas wingback Bernard Kamungo has received another opportunity to represent Tanzania after being named in the national team squad for their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Nigeria.

The 24-year-old has earned a second consecutive international call-up after featuring in Tanzania’s plans during the October international window.

Kamungo will be expected to play a role as the Taifa Stars face Nigeria in two potentially decisive encounters, with both countries seeking to strengthen their positions in the race for qualification to the continental tournament.

The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Nigeria, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, November 17, at the Amman Stadium in Tanzania.

The first leg will kick off at 10am CT, while the return encounter is scheduled to begin at 7am CT.

Kamungo’s latest international assignment comes after an encouraging campaign with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he has established himself as an important option on the right flank.

His performances have earned him another opportunity to contribute to Tanzania’s national team ambitions as they prepare for the challenging fixtures against the Super Eagles.

Kamungo’s international duty and FC Dallas playoff schedule

Despite his international commitments, Kamungo is expected to return to the United States in time to join FC Dallas for the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The club’s Round One series is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 20, just three days after Tanzania’s second meeting with Nigeria.

Although the exact dates and kick-off times for FC Dallas’ playoff fixtures had not been announced at the time of writing, the wingback is expected to be available for the start of the postseason campaign.

His availability will be important for FC Dallas, particularly considering the influence he has had on the team’s performances whenever he has featured in the starting line-up.

The American club will be hoping to have the Tanzanian international back in its ranks as it begins its pursuit of the MLS Cup.

Impressive numbers underline Kamungo’s importance

Kamungo has enjoyed a productive 2026 season, recording 1,703 minutes across 23 appearances for FC Dallas.

The wingback registered a career-best six assists during the campaign, highlighting his growing contribution to the team’s attacking play.

His influence is further reflected in the club’s results when he starts. FC Dallas have recorded 10 wins, two defeats and six draws in the 18 matches in which he has featured from the beginning.

Those statistics underline his importance to the side, with the club suffering only two defeats in his 18 starts.

Since joining FC Dallas in 2022, Kamungo has made 97 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists across 5,109 minutes of action.

He is now just three appearances away from reaching the milestone of 100 matches for the club.

Long-term commitment to FC Dallas

Kamungo’s continued development has also been rewarded with a long-term contract at the MLS outfit.

The Tanzania-born winger signed a contract extension on January 7, 2025, which keeps him at FC Dallas until 2027, with the club holding options to extend the agreement through 2028 and 2029.

Born in Kasulu, Tanzania, the 24-year-old received his first senior national team invitation on June 12, 2023.

His latest selection represents another milestone in his international career as he seeks to establish himself as a regular member of the Taifa Stars squad.

With two important AFCON qualifying matches against Nigeria approaching, Kamungo will be hoping to translate his club form into positive performances on the international stage.