Taifa Stars out to move a step closer to Afcon finals

Dar es Salaam. The national football team (Taifa Stars) today host The Cranes of Uganda in a crucial African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The Group F match, which kicks off at 8pm, will be officiated by Ibrahim Traore from the Ivory Coast. He will be assisted by Adou N’goh, also from the Ivory Coast, and Quattara Nouho from the DR Congo. The fourth official is Ivorian Clement Kpan.

Stars, who defeated The Cranes 1-0 in Ismailia, Egypt, last Friday, will be looking to beat the Ugandans again today to move to within touching distance of a place in next year’s Afcon finals in the Ivory Coast.

Stars go into today’s game sitting in second place in Group F with four points from three matches.

Topping the group are Algeria, who have one foot in the finals after garnering nine points from their first three matches.

If Stars beat Uganda again today, they will need to pick up only two points from their remaining two matches to qualify for the Afcon finals for only the third time.

Stars will still be in a good position top qualify even if they draw with The Cranes today.

The team’s assistant coach, Hemed Morocco, said despite beating Uganda last week, they expected the visitors to give the home team a run for their money.

“Both teams are still in contention, so we expect a tough match. However, my players are in top shape both physically and psychologically. Morale is high after we grabbed an important away win last week. We hope to make the most of our home ground advantage today,” he said.

For his part, The Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic said Stars played well against his team last week, adding that they expected the home team to play even better today since they would be at home.

“It will be a tough match, but we are well prepared, although we need to be very careful,” the Serb said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has commended Taifa Stars for their victory against Uganda and has promised to award them Sh10 million for every goal they score in their remaining three qualifying matches.