Gamondi unfazed by Stars defeat

CAIRO: TAIFA Stars may have fallen 4–3 to Kuwait in a thrilling friendly match in Egypt on Saturday, but head coach, Miguel Gamondi says the performance offered more encouragement than disappointment as the team builds toward AFCON this December.

After the match at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Gamondi told reporters he was pleased with how strongly his team started.

He noted that their discipline, sharp ball movement and confidence in possession set the tone for the opening half.

“The boys played very well in the first half. We dominated the game, kept our shape and created clear chances. That’s the level we want,” he said.

Tanzania’s bright start produced early rewards. Charles M’Mombwa opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a composed finish and Tarryn Allakhiya added a second in the 34th minute.

M’Mombwa later doubled his tally in the second half to complete an impressive personal performance.

But the match turned after the break. Kuwait struck four times in a rapid second-half surge, capitalising on defensive lapses from the Taifa Stars.

Mohammed Daham led the comeback with a brace in the 46th and 52nd minutes, before Yousef Nasser added a third in the 63rd.

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Hassan Hamdan completed the turnaround with Kuwait’s fourth in the 69th minute.

Gamondi admitted the team’s drop in focus proved costly.

“In the second half we lost concentration. Lack of focus allowed them to come back and punish us. That is something we must correct immediately,” the Argentine coach said.

Despite the defeat, Gamondi expressed confidence in his squad’s development and mentality as the AFCON tournament approaches.

“This team is showing strong signs of progress. We will continue to work hard because AFCON is near and we must be ready.”

Right-back Shomary Kapombe echoed the coach’s optimism, noting that although mistakes were made, the overall performance showed growth.

“We played well as a team. Yes, we made errors, but the technical bench will fix them. What matters is that we are improving,” he said.