Stars unbeaten run applauded

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA football legends have praised the Taifa Stars for their consistent work ethic in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a quality they say has made them the first side to secure a place in the knockout stage.

The veterans, Steven Nemes and Aboubakar Kombo, said they believe that if Stars maintain the same fighting spirit they have shown so far, they can go even further in the competition.

Speaking to ‘Daily News’ yesterday in Dar es Salaam, former Taifa Stars goalkeeper Steven Nemes said the team has demonstrated maturity and commitment in all three of their group matches.

“From my point of view, we are improving, and the players are giving everything. The fighting spirit hasn’t dropped since the first game and that’s the key thing,” said Nemes.

Addressing criticism over the Stars apparent drop in tempo in second halves, Nemes argued it is a deliberate coaching tactic rather than a sign of weakness.

“In the first half we play with high pressure and defend aggressively. You can’t maintain that for both halves. The coach’s formation is to win the first half, then relax in the second. When we drop the intensity, the opponent also eases off. I credit the coaches for a strategy that has worked,” he added.

He also reflected on the win over Madagascar, noting that the replacement for Yusuph Kagoma was solid, but injury to the substitute proved costly.

“Our squad is deep enough. Even with substitutions, the team does not collapse. Kagoma’s replacement was good, though his injury did affect us,” Nemes explained.

Taifa Stars defensive midfielder Kagoma did not feature in the game against Madagascar after picking two yellow cards in the games against Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

Looking ahead to the quarter-finals, he urged the team to treat it as a final.

“There’s no draw in this stage. We must take every chance and play as if it’s the last match,” he said.

He also insisted that winning the final group game against the Central African Republic is important for momentum.
Victory would keep our winning record intact and boost morale. Losing could lower spirits and give opponents belief,” he warned.

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Kombo agreed with Nemes’ assessment of the team’s hunger and commitment. “Right now, the Stars are giving their all, using huge amounts of energy and that’s why we are winning,” Kombo said.

However, he disagreed with Nemes on whether to risk key players in the final group match.

“When you have a dead-rubber game, it is better to rest your important players for the knockout stage. Even a draw isn’t bad,” he argued.

Both legends voiced concern about low fan turnout and urged Tanzanians to fill the stadium.

“We must support the Stars. I see no reason Benjamin Mkapa isn’t full for the national team when it’s packed for Simba versus Yanga,” Kombo noted.

Nemes echoed the call: “Let’s show CAF we support our national teams, not just clubs. Even fan groups from Simba, Yanga, Azam and all Tanzanians should come to cheer the Stars.”

Tanzania stuck their chest out in Group B following a gritty 2-1 win against Madagascar last Saturday which saw them collecting 9 points from three outings and have been the first side in the tournament to cruise into the quarterfinals stage.

Tanzania will face Central Africa Republic (C.A.R) on Saturday August 16 in their final group stage at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.