Samatta, Msuva ready for Stars crucial Afcon duels
What you need to know:
- Currently, Tanzania are in third place in Group H with four points from four matches.
Dar es Salaam. Simon Msuva, one of Tanzania’s most celebrated football players, has joined the Taifa Stars camp ahead of two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
The 28-year-old forward, known for his speed and skill, arrived yesterday to bolster the national team as they prepare for decisive matches that could secure their spot in next year’s Afcon finals in Morocco.
According to Taifa Stars interim coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman, the team’s captain, Mbwana Samatta, who plays for PAOK in Greece, and Novatus Dismas, who plays for Göztepe in the Turkish Super League, will also join the camp today.
Morocco expressed confidence that with all players now in camp, the team is in high spirits, focusing on the challenges ahead.
Taifa Stars are set to face Ethiopia in a must-win match on November 16 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, scheduled at 5pm East African Time.
Just a few days later, they will host Guinea at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on November 19 at 7pm East African Time.
These two fixtures are crucial as the Stars look to secure qualification to the prestigious Afcon tournament next year.
Currently, Tanzania are in third place in Group H with four points from four matches.
With only two remaining games, the team must win both games to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.
DR Congo have already secured qualification with 12 points, while Guinea sit second with six points.
Ethiopia, with only one point, are at the bottom of the group. In their previous group encounters, Taifa Stars held Ethiopia to a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
They then managed an impressive 2-1 victory over Guinea in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, but suffered losses to DR Congo, falling 1-0 and 2-0 in the two encounters.
Coach Morocco highlighted the importance of experience for these final matches, stressing that seasoned players like Msuva, Samatta, and Dismas will be crucial to the team’s success.
With the stakes so high, the veteran coach believes the team’s experienced players will play a key role in securing the results needed for Afcon qualification.
As the countdown to the crucial fixtures begins, all eyes will be on Taifa Stars to see if they can deliver the performances required to qualify for the Afcon finals in Morocco.
