Samatta lauded as Stars record win

Taifa Stars striker Mbwana Samatta (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Botswana during their friendly match at the National Stadium yesterday. Stars won 2-0. PHOTO | SAID KHAMIS

What you need to know:

  • The KRC Genk hotshot, Mbwana Samatta, scored in the second and 87th minutes to hand Stars a morale boosting win as they prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Dar es Salaam. The national team (Taifa Stars) head coach Salum Mayanga has lavished praise on players following a 2-0 victory over Botswana in a friendly match at the National Stadium yesterday.

The KRC Genk hotshot, Mbwana Samatta, scored in the second and 87th minutes to hand Stars a morale boosting win as they prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Speaking after the match, Mayanga said he was impressed with how his team played, adding that they will improve in the next match.

“The boys played very well despite training together for five days only. We dominated the midfield and created several good chances,” said elated Mayanga.

“There are a few weaknesses that we will address before playing another international match. I believe that Stars can be more aggressive than today (yesterday).”

The coach, who succeeded Charles Mkwasa recently, expressed his appreciation for fans support and called on them to do the same on Tuesday.

Stars, who recorded their first ever win over Botswana, will clash with Burundi at the same stadium in another friendly match.

Meanwhile, Botswana coach Peter Butler blamed the defeat on lack of concentration and heaped praise on Samatta for his performance throughout the 90 minutes of the game.

“We lacked concentration for the two goals. We should have scored today, but my forwards lacked sharpness in the box,” said the 50-year-old English tactician

“I must also acknowledge that Samatta is a good player and had a good game. He was in a class of his own throughout the match.”

Butler added that Tanzania must keep the current crop of Taifa Stars players, saying they have the quality to take country to new football heights.

For his part, Samatta said he was happy with a brace against the Zebras and thanked the fans for turning out in a big number to cheer the team.

“I very happy my performance today, we had a good game as a team and this is morale-booster ahead of Afcon qualifiers,” said the 24-year-old.

The friendlies also serve as build-ups for the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) whose qualifiers kickoff next month.