Taifa Stars face Sudan in international friendly
Taifa Stars players during a past training session. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- In the encounter, which has been scheduled to kick off at 7pm Tanzanian time, Taifa Stars players promised to do well.
Dar es Salaam. The national football team (Taifa Stars) today play against Sudan in the world soccer governing body (FIFA)’s international friendly match in Saudi Arabia.
In the encounter, which has been scheduled to kick off at 7pm Tanzanian time, Taifa Stars players promised to do well.
Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, Taifa Stars’ striker Simon Msuva said they are aware of the importance of the match and promised to fight hard. However, the striker said Sudan have a strong squad that will also be targeting victory to improve their FIFA ranking.
“We are also targeting the same and good enough, all my teammates are ready, awaiting the encounter. We have trained well, and I believe we will deliver the best,” said Msuva.
Besides Msuva, the other players on the team are 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 Benno Kakolanya.
Also, on the list are foreign based players, Baraka Majogoro, Abdi Banda, Novatus Damiani, Haji Mnoga, and Morris Abraham. The match is very important for both teams, as each will be targeting victory to improve their FIFA rankings.
Sudan are currently ranked 131st, while Tanzania are 123rd in the FIFA rankings released last month. Taifa Stars assistant head coach Hemed Morocco said they are expecting a tough match, but, he added, his players are in the right frame of mind to maul the Sudanese in the encounter.
"Basically, every player is eager to face Sudan, and they are in good shape. I believe that Tanzanians will view an improved performance,” said Morocco.
He said they have trained well ahead of the game, and he added that they expect to face a strong opposition from the Sudanese.
“Our aim is to further move up in the FIFA rankings. We are aware that our rivals have also prepared well, but I can dare promise victory for our fans,” he said.
