Taifa Stars on knife's edge as Afcon draw leaves fate hanging

San Pedro. Tanzania's Taifa Stars are precariously perched on the brink of African Cup of Nations (Afcon) knockout contention after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zambia's Chipolopolo.

Simon Msuva's powerful strike in the 11th minute, teed up by Mbwana Samatta, looked set to ignite a Tanzanian victory. The goal saw Msuva level with Samatta on 22 goals for the national team, though Mrisho Ngassa remains the outright top scorer with 25.

However, Zambian hopes revived in the 88th minute through Patson Daka's header after a Clatous Chama corner. Now, qualification for the round of 16 requires a win against DR Congo in the final group game, alongside a favor from Morocco against Zambia.

Morocco currently leads Group F with four points, followed by DR Congo's two. Zambia and Taifa Stars are tied on two points, but with the Stars occupying the bottom spot due to their earlier draw.

Despite Zambia playing with one man down after Rodrick Kabwe's red card in the 44th minute for a foul on Samatta, Taifa Stars failed to capitalize fully. The late concession leaves questions swirling about defensive lapses and missed opportunities.

Interim coach Hemed Suleiman, aka Morocco, acknowledged the disappointment but highlighted the need to move forward.

"We had every reason to win," he admitted, citing final-minute errors as the culprit. "We are now concentrating on DR Congo and believe we will perform well. We will address the mistakes and fight for a positive outcome."

Taifa Stars face DR Congo on January 24, in Korhogo, with qualification and redemption hanging in the balance.

Their fate also rests on the outcome of Morocco's clash with Zambia on the same day. The final whistle on both matches will determine whether the Taifa Stars' Afcon journey continues or fades into an early sunset.