Gamondi: Lessons still to learn

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DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars Head Coach Miguel Gamondi has admitted that his side left the FIFA Series in Kigali with mixed emotions, saying they were “happy to win and score goals” but felt they “deserved to win the first game” against Liechtenstein.

Despite a commanding 6-0 victory over Macau in the second match on Sunday, Gamondi reflected on a frustrating opening fixture, in which his team dominated play but failed to convert chances into goals.

Taifa Stars succumbed to a narrow 1–0 defeat to Liechtenstein in their Thursday opening match.

The Argentine tactician highlighted the need for improved clinical finishing in the final third as the team moves forward.

“In the first match we made over 600 passes and created 20 chances, but we didn’t score,” Gamondi explained, underlining the control and attacking intent his side had displayed throughout the game.

He expressed satisfaction with the response in the return encounter, where Taifa Stars were more decisive and composed in front of goal.

This time, however, the finishing matched the build-up play, resulting in a more convincing and deserved outcome for his side according to Gamondi.

Early goals in the second match helped settle the players and allowed them to dictate the tempo with confidence, even though the overall pattern of play mirrored the first fixture.

“This result is a wake-up call, we have improved our game model and our mentality,” Gamondi said.

“We respect the opponent, but our quality made the difference in the end.”

The coach described the series as a valuable learning experience, highlighting noticeable improvements in both the team’s tactical approach and mental preparedness, key areas he has focused on since taking charge of the national team.

Gamondi also praised Macau for their organisation, determination, and work rate throughout both games.

Nevertheless, he stressed that the superior quality of Taifa Stars ultimately proved decisive.

The coach expressed optimism that lessons from the FIFA Series would help Tanzania shape a more efficient and clinical side, with a clearer identity and stronger cohesion on the pitch.

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“We are shaping a clear football identity, this is the style we want to play,” Gamondi said, noting that the team showed both commitment and quality in dominating possession and controlling the match.

“We respect every opponent and always try to give our best on the pitch,” he added. “They fought hard and ran a lot, but we showed our superior quality.”