Taifa Stars take on Sudan in international friendly match

Dar es Salaam. The national football team (Taifa Stars) will on Sunday face Sudan in the world soccer governing body (FIFA)’s international friendly match in Saudi Arabia.

Already Taifa Stars head coach Adel Amrouche has announced 23 players who are leaving the country today ahead of the Sunday encounter.

The team comprises players including Metacha Mnata, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Bacca, Dickson Job, Mudathir Yahya, Clement Mzize and Nickson Kibabage, all from Yanga SC while from Simba SC are Ally Salim, Mzamiru Yassin, Israel Mwenda and Kibu Dennis.

Azam FC have contributed Abdul Suleiman Sopu and Sospeter Bajana while from Namungo FC is Abdulrazak Hamza and from Singida Fountain Gate FC has been picked goalkeeper Benno Kakolanya.

Also, on the list are foreign based players Simon Msuva, Baraka Majogoro, Abdi Banda, Novatus Damiani, Haji Mnoga and Morris Abraham.

The match is very important for the two teams, each targeting victory in order to improve their FIFA rankings.

Malawi are currently ranked 131th while Tanzania are 123th in the FIFA rankings issued last month.

Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, Taifa Stars assistant head coach Hemed Morocco explained that his players are in the right frame of mind to maul the Sudanese in the encounter.

“Everything is okay at the camp as most of my players have already joined the team ahead of the encounter.

“Basically every player is eager to face Sudan. Simply they are in good shape and I believe that Tanzanians will see an improved performance,” said Morocco.

He said they have trained well ahead of the game in which, he added, they expect to face a strong opposition from the Sudanese.

“Our intention is to further go up in the FIFA rankings, as you know, most of the players in the squad are experienced and are aware of their commitment.

“We are aware that our opponents have also prepared well for the match, but I can dare promise victory for our fans.”