Taifa Stars coach optimistic for Guinea clash after draw with Ethiopia

Dar es Salaam. After recording a goalless draw against Ethiopia, the interim head coach of the Tanzania National Football Team, Taifa Stars, Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman, remains optimistic that the team will perform better in their next match against Guinea.

Taifa Stars on September 4, 2024, failed to utilize their home advantage effectively against Ethiopia in Group H at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, leading to mixed reactions from football fans.

Some fans believe the technical bench should include more experienced players like Simon Msuva, who was not among the 23 players currently in the squad.

Others argue that the technical bench adopted a more defensive approach at home rather than being aggressive.

 They noted that the team included seven players with a defensive mindset: Lusajo Mwaikenda, Mohamed “Tshabalala” Hussein, Ibrahim “Bacca” Hamad, Dickson Job, Himid Mao, Novatus Dismass, and Nickson Kibabage, who played as a left winger.

However, Morocco defended his strategy, stating that the players performed well and created several scoring opportunities, though none were converted.

 “Football fans should understand that we faced a tough team that chose to defend. If you closely followed the match, you would have seen that about eight to nine Ethiopian players were focused on defense, preventing us from breaking through.

 In the second half, we created several scoring chances, but we failed to convert them into goals,”  said Morocco.

He added that there is still time to prepare and express confidence that the team will excel in their next match against Guinea, scheduled to be played in Ivory Coast next Tuesday at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

 “We have the mission and vision to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, and I am confident we will achieve our goals,” he stated.

The match saw both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities, characterized by physical play and cautious tactics. The opening minutes were marked by a lack of attacking urgency from both sides.

Tanzania managed a few attempts on goal, but Ethiopian goalkeeper Seid Habtamu Aregawi was largely untroubled. Ethiopia found space on the flanks but faced strong resistance from the Tanzanian defense.

Taifa Stars made a change at halftime, bringing on Pascal Msindo, while Ethiopia introduced Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday.

The substitutions led to Tanzania dominating possession in the second half and applying pressure on the Ethiopian defense.

 However, the Walyas remained resilient, frustrating the Taifa Stars' attempts to find a breakthrough. As the match progressed, Tanzania's increased tempo nearly paid off, but their efforts lacked precision, resulting in a tense 0-0 draw.