Stars coach hails positive start

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars’ Head Coach Hemed Sulieman praised his team’s impressive 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their opening match of the 2024 CHAN tournament, hailing it as a positive start to their campaign and a sign of increasing sharpness in attack.

Coach Suleiman made the remarks in a postmatch press conference at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

“It was a good game and we have had a positive start,” he said.

Coach Suleiman highlighted before the tournament’s commencement they identified missing gaps and among was in the attacking side. He underscored that he saw how they created goal-scoring chances, especially in the friendly games, but failed to convert them.

“Before the match, during preparation, we were well aware that we needed to improve our sharpness. We worked on our attacking play and enhanced our approach in the attacking zone. While we are strong in defence, we knew that finishing chances was a key area for us to improve.” With the match now behind them, the coach expressed his gratitude for the team’s efforts.

“Thanks to my boys, they have executed the game plan well. However, there are still a few things to work on, especially in terms of making better use of the chances we create.” Looking ahead to the remainder of the campaign, the coach remained optimistic: “We have begun the campaign well, and that was our goal. We will keep pushing to be better and continue improving with each match.” On the match, Taifa Stars’ midfielder, Feisal Salum won Man of the Match award and he described the win as a perfect start.

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“This victory is the perfect start and makes all Tanzanians feel proud and happy. “Our goal is to win every match, especially since the tournament is being held on our home ground. It is important that we prove ourselves and remain consistent in every game,” said Salum.

Tanzania’s next challenge comes against Mauritania on 6th August, followed by a clash with Madagascar on the 9th, before wrapping up their group campaign against the Central African Republic on 16th August.

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are co-hosting the CHAN finals, featuring 19 nations divided into four groups.

Tanzania will utilise two venues: the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar. Kenya will also host matches at two venues Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre while Uganda will stage its fixtures at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.