DRCONGO: TODAY all eyes will be on the Pentecost Des Martyrs Stadium in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as Tanzania National Team -Taifa Stars face Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes in a vital Group H qualifier for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The match will kick off at 7:00 pm (East African Time), with Taifa Stars determined to secure three crucial points in their quest to reach next year’s continental showpiece.
Ahead of the match, Stars Interim Coach Hemed Suleiman expressed confidence, saying his squad has had plenty of time to prepare and is ready for the mission.
“I believe we have the chance to produce positive results. My players are in good shape and ready to take on Ethiopia. A win will boost our morale as we head into the final match of the group,” said Suleiman.
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The coach also called on Tanzanians to show their support by attending the match to cheer up as support to the players, stressing the importance of fans for success of the team.
“We call on Tanzanians to rally behind us as we face Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a strong team, but our mission is to win, and I am confident we can deliver,” he added.
Taifa Stars’ winger, Simon Msuva echoed the coach’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenge posed by the Walya Antelopes, but insisting that the team is well-prepared.
“We know it will be a tough match, but we are ready to give our best. A win today is vital for our qualification hopes,” Msuva said.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, will be looking to recover from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Guinea in their previous match. With just one point from four outings, they are at the bottom of Group H and desperate for a turn-around to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Hamis Mwinjuma, who accompanied the team, expressed optimism about Tanzania’s chances.
“We have talented players, and I believe they can grab the points here in Congo (DRC). With President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s unwavering support, our team is in great shape,” Mwinjuma stated.
Currently, DRC lead Group H with a perfect record of 12 points, while Guinea sits on second place with six points. Tanzania follows with four points, and Ethiopia are at the bottom with just one point.
After facing Ethiopia, the Taifa Stars will return to Dar es Salaam to host Guinea in another must-win encounter on November 19. With the qualification race heating up, every match is now a final for the Taifa Sas they chase a return to the AFCON.
