Taifa Stars target maximum points
DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Head Coach Hemed Suleiman has stressed the importance of today’s CHAN 2024 Group B final match against the Central African Republic (CAR), describing it as a crucial test of the team’s readiness for the quarterfinals and beyond.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference held yesterday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the match will be staged, Coach Suleiman underlined that the encounter will serve not only as a confidence booster, but also as a key indicator of how well his side is progressing in the tournament.
“The results in the match against Central African Republic will help us build confidence ahead of the coming stage, the quarterfinals.
“It is an important stage, one we have not reached in past regional competitions and it carries a lot of weight and pride. This game gives us radar on how we are moving forward, both in this competition and in those to come,” he said.
Coach Suleiman acknowledged that although their opponents have yet to secure a win in their last three outings, they should not be underestimated. He warned that the match will be anything but easy, noting the pressure his side faces after winning their previous three matches.
“It will be a tough encounter. They have not won in their past three games and that shows how difficult the match will be, especially given our current winning run,” he remarked.
The coach also spoke about the technical and tactical preparations made following their last match. He revealed that the team had gone back to the training ground with a focus on strengthening several key areas, including the midfield, defence and attacking efficiency.
Particular attention has been given to improving the way the team creates and capitalises on scoring chances, which he believes will be crucial in today’s tie.
“We have worked on improving the areas of our faults seen in the last meetings. We are committed to fighting to our utmost to make sure we win the game,” he added.
Joining his coach in addressing the media, Taifa Stars goalkeeper Aishi Manula echoed the sense of caution, noting that the opposition would approach the match with little to lose and everything to prove.
“They will come facing us knowing they have nothing to lose but to finish their group match with respect,” said Manula. “We are aware they will come to the venue to show what they have got from the individual level to the team level.”
Manula further emphasised the importance of self-assessment and preparation, revealing that the squad had taken time to reflect on their journey and make necessary adjustments.
“We have had a good session to evaluate where we had been in the past and where we are heading to,” he said.
Tanzania have already secured a quarter-final spot with nine points, leaving the battle for the second qualifying position wide open.
Mauritania currently sit second with seven points after completing their group fixtures. Madagascar follow with four points from three matches and one game in hand against Burkina Faso at New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar today. Madagascar remain the only challenger to Mauritania’s second place.
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For Burkina Faso, despite the final match opportunity, their defeat to Mauritania on Wednesday had effectively ended their campaign. Same as Central African Republic they were eliminated after taking defeats in all three group games.
