Prime Minister to grace Stars-Cranes decider

Dar es Salaam. It is now confirmed that Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa will be the guest of honour during the make-or-break Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) match pitting the national team, Taifa Stars, and Uganda’s The Cranes.

The match, which is a must win for Taifa Stars, will kick off at 7 pm at the 60,000-seater National Stadium.

It will be officiated by Gabonese officials with Eric Arnaud Otogo Castane as the centre referee. He will be assisted by Moussounda Montel and Marlaise Ditsoga Boris.

Speaking yesterday, the chairman of a special committee formed to ensure that Taifa Stars sails through to the 2019 Afcon finals, Paul Makonda said Majaliwa had agreed to be the guest of honour on Sunday, a decision which may inspire players and the entire technical bench.

Makonda, who doubles as the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, admitted that the match was a decisive as Stars harboured hopes of qualifying for the Afcon 2019 finals, which will be held in Egypt from June 21 to July 18, this year.

“Premier Kassim Majaliwa has confirmed to be the guest of honour on Sunday. We believe that his presence will inspire our players,” he said.

“We have to win this match if we want to qualify for the Afcon 2019 finals, so our players should understand that they have a huge obligation for the nation.”

Stars have not qualified for the Afcon finals since 1980.

In addition, Makonda called on football enthusiasts to attend the match in big numbers. He promised to buy at least 1,000 tickets for orphans so that they could attend the match too.

“My committee members have so far bought 1,300 tickets for fans. I will add another 1,000 for orphans in various centres to enable them to watch this match,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yanga have also rallied football lovers to throng the stadium and support the national team.

Yanga secretary general Omari Kaya said it was high time fans left their differences aside, saying Stars belonged to all Tanzanians.

Stars need nothing short of maximum points against Uganda Cranes if they are to qualify for the Afcon finals.

They are placed third in Group L with five points. Second-placed Lesotho also have five points, but they are ahead on goal difference. The Cranes, who top the group with 13 points, have already booked a place in the finals while Cape Verde are at the bottom with four points.