Stars revive Afcon qualification hopes

Dar es Salaam. National soccer team Taifa Stars has revived hopes of qualifying in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) following its 2-0 victory against their Cape Verdean counterparts, “Blue Sharks,” at the National Stadium.

The victory means Taifa Stars are now second in Group L after collecting five points. Uganda which won against Lesotho yesterday in the latter’s capital Maseru, lead the group with 10 points.

Taifa Stars are now left with two matches, against Lesotho on November 16 in Maseru. However, Stars’ captain, Mbwana Samatta will not play because of booking. Taifa Stars will later face Uganda in March 22 next year. Two top teams in each group qualify for the Cameroon finals scheduled from June 15 to July 13. Taifa Stars played well in the encounter which was officiated by Djibouti referee, Souleiman Ahmed Djamal and assistants Farhan Bogoreth Salime and Rachid Waiss Bouraleh. Stars could have led in the 22nd minute, but Samatta’s penalty kick hit the cross bar and the ball was cleared by Cape Verde defenders. The penalty was awarded to Taifa Stars after a Cape Verde defender fouled Msuva. However, the same Samatta later created a chance to Msuva who scored in the 28th minute. The goal inspired Stars, but Cape Verde defenders stood firm to stop all attacks. Taifa Stars started the second half with a bang and scored the second goal through Samatta following a pass from Mudathir Yahya in the 57th minute. Taifa Stars head coach, Emmanuel Amunike commended his players for the victory and promised to work on deficiencies he has noticed ahead of the two remained matches.

“It was tough match and all teams target victory, we have revived our chances of qualifying and we will do our best. Players have shown their commitment and deserve compliments,” said Amunike.