| Buoyant Stars face test of character in Algiers | Send to a friend |
| Thursday, 02 September 2010 23:31 |
 By Samson Mfalilila, Algiers The race for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals gets underway tonight with Taifa Stars taking on Algeria in Algiers. Taifa Stars, who arrived in the Algerian capital on Tuesday, were faring well with training and looked motivated to shock the hosts. Speaking with The Citizen at Blida where the match will take place, the Taifa Stars head coach, Jan Paulsen, said they were all set for the match. “My players are well prepared and I’m happy there are no fresh injuries. I’ve faith in them, hopefully they’ll win the match. “We’re facing a team comprising over 10 professionals, they’re superior to us, but given the readiness of my side, fans should be ready to celebrate,” he said. Poulsen added that the players had developed an excellent fitness base and would be more than set for the tie. The hosts have several brilliant players playing their trade in England, Germany and Spain. Taifa Stars captain Shadrack Nsajigwa concurred with the coach saying that they would flex their muscles to get positive results. “We’ll have to be right on our game to beat them, not 95 per cent, but 100 per cent. If we win this match, the next ties will be easy. “Everyone at the camp is raring to go, this shows how prepared we are for action…I urge the fans to keep their fingers crossed,” the ageless defender said. The hosts have their Anther Yahia who plays for Germany’s Bochum. The defender scored Algeria’s winner against Egypt that sent them to the World Cup finals. Tanzania and Algeria last played in 1997 in a friendly during the re-opening of the Uhuru Stadium. Juma Kidishi scored a brace for Taifa Stars in a 2-1 win over the Desert Foxes. Algeria’s Amri Chadli, who plays for a Germany side, Kaiserslautern, sounded a warning to his teammates not underestimate Tanzania. "W are certainly the favorites to win this match, but we must be cautious and not underestimate our opponent to avoid any unpleasant surprises," said Chadli. The match, according to TFF informational officer Florian Kaijage will start at 10pm in Algerian local time, which is 1am East African time. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
Latest News
Most Read
Gallery