Stars coach: We’ve got chance
ZANZIBAR: NATIONAL team ‘Taifa Stars’ Head Coach, Hemed Suleiman, remains optimistic about his team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Stars gear up today to face Niger in a pivotal Group E qualifier at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Following a gritty 1-1 draw against Congo Brazzaville last Friday at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium, Tanzania are determined to return to winning ways as the qualification race heats up.
Stars currently sit second in Group E, trailing group leaders Morocco by eight points. The North Africans have maintained a perfect record, boasting six wins from six matches.
Meanwhile, Niger come into the encounter reeling from a 5-0 defeat to the Atlas Lions, a result that left them in fourth place with just four points, four fewer than their Tanzanian hosts.
Despite missing out on all three points in their last outing, Suleiman remains steadfast in his belief that Tanzania’s World Cup hopes are far from over.
“It was a tough game. Our goal was to earn maximum points, but we came away with one. This one point is still valuable and we are thankful we managed to get it,” Suleiman stated.
“We still have a chance to qualify through second place and go for the playoffs. That is where most of our efforts are now focused.”
Adding to the coach’s remarks, team captain Simon Msuva urged fans to turn out and support their own.
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“We are ready, we ask Tanzanians to come in numbers to cheer and support us because it’s not just a match for the players but for the fans as well, we need their strength if we are to prevail,” said Msuva.
With Morocco already securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico the battle for second place in Group E is intensifying.
Africa’s qualifying format allows only the nine group winners to earn direct World Cup spots, while the four best runners-up advance to an inter-confederation playoff.
On his part Niger, coach Badou Zaki acknowledged the challenges facing his side, citing poor match fitness and a lack of domestic league activity as major stumbling blocks. The team is now shifting focus towards long-term development and the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The expulsion of one of our players made things more difficult for us. Our players lack competition, as the local league hasn’t even started yet,” Zaki lamented.
“We always have problems in September, we expected this scenario. Our goal was to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, but we haven’t achieved that. We didn’t dream of qualifying for the World Cup, but we want to build a fighting team for the 2027 AFCON.”
Head-to-Head record shows that Tanzania and Niger have met three times and Tanzania had won twice and the third match ended in a draw
