Man of the Match Mudathir credits team

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA midfielder Mudathir Yahya Abasi has insisted that collective effort and humility remain central to the Taifa Stars’ campaign at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, following their hard-fought victory over Mauritania in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking after being named Man of the Match for his commanding display, Mudathir downplayed personal accolades in favour of team success.

“I thank God for being named Man of the Match. It’s important when you win this award, but maybe next time another player will win it. What matters most is that we continue to work hard,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mudathir reaffirmed the squad’s commitment to progressing in the tournament. “We shall try to give our best to secure qualification to the knockout stages, and we’ll take it one game at a time,” he said, reflecting a focused and methodical mindset within the camp.

The 29-year-old also highlighted the significance of the CHAN tournament as a developmental platform for domestic players.

“The CHAN is an opportunity for us players to develop ourselves. Participating in this competition helps local players refine their skills and raise their level,” he said.

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His comments mirror a growing recognition of the tournament’s role in nurturing African football talent based in home leagues.

Mudathir went on to praise the technical staff for their influence behind the scenes, revealing that pre-match instructions had played a key role in their win.

“The coach gave us some important tips before the match, and we’ll try to improve on certain aspects during our upcoming preparations,” he noted, underscoring the strong connection between players and coaching staff, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Mudathir acknowledged the importance of experience, especially at a tournament of this calibre.

“Perhaps the key word is experience. Big teams in tough matches need experienced players. These players support the younger ones, and together, we aim to win games,” he said, signalling his leadership both on and off the pitch.