Poulsen: Duel vs Cranes arduous
TAIFA Stars Head Coach Kim Poulsen has described the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match against Uganda as a tough duel, but insisted that his charges are responding well to training sessions.
The two sides meet at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam this Sunday for the first leg match of the qualifiers with the hosts looking sharp to grab the much needed victory before the reverse leg.
The winner of the two-legged encounter will automatically qualify for the CHAN finals in Algeria.
However, Uganda lost 1-0 to Zanzibar Heroes in a friendly match held at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Wednesday evening which was probably their last signal testing game before facing Taifa Stars.
“They play direct football, are aggressive and it is always a tough game against Uganda. For us, we have at least four days to thoroughly prepare for the game and on each training session, we have a different topic we work at.
“Players are enjoying seeing each other again and the new faces we have in the squad are quickly adapting to the family,” said Poulsen who is probably spending sleepless nights trying to figure out the best way to defeat the Cranes.
His first choice goalkeeper Aishi Manula has assured Tanzanians that they will work hard for them in order to produce a victory prior to the return leg clash in Uganda.
“We are still doing preparations and it is our hope that the coach will impart to us winning formula even though we know that it will be a very difficult match…we know them (Uganda) well and they too know us deeply and here is where the tough part of the game will be.
“For us players, we have been privileged to fight for the country’s colours hence we have to sacrifice in order to ensure that we produce tangible results.
“We have potential to make it to CHAN finals and this is our moment whereby we just need to record good results in each of the two-legged fixtures of which I believe we can achieve,” Manula said.
Recently, the team’s manager Nadir Haroub ‘Cannavaro’ stated that preparations for the big game are unfolding well with each player working hard to earn playing time on the day.
“The atmosphere in the camp is very pleasing and all players who were called to join the team have done so and they are all displaying strong determination to help their team emerge winners on the day,” he said.
He then urged more Tanzanians to come at Benjamin Mkapa venue in a big number to cheer and support to their team.
