DAR ES SALAAM: NATIONAL football team, Taifa Stars Coach, Hemed Suleiman has underscored that his squad is currently intensifying training with a sharp focus on improving their scoring efficiency and strengthening their defence.
This comes as the team prepares for their final two matches in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ethiopia on November 16th at Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, DR Congo and Guinea on November 19th at Benjamin Mkapa in Dar es Salaam.
“Our goal is to maintain a balanced approach, with equal emphasis on both attacking and defending. We aim to strengthen our offensive play while ensuring solid defensive stability.”
“Guinea and Ethiopia play different styles of football compared to us, which is why our technical team has been working tirelessly to analyse our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. We are developing a tactical plan that can be adapted to each specific opponent we face.
Additionally, he noted that they are placing a strong focus on improving the strikers’ finishing abilities, ensuring they capitalize on every opportunity to convert chances into goals.
Coach Suleiman further highlighted that while they continue to enhance their attacking play, they are equally committed to improving their defence in order to prevent conceding goals as they press their opponents to create scoring opportunities.
“We are working tirelessly to tighten our defence, as conceding goals can be costly. In training, we are refining our strategies to ensure we are solid at the back,” he said.
Coach Suleiman expressed confidence in the team, the strength and potential of his players according to the preparations they have made so far.
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“We have a solid squad with talented players across all positions. Although not every player has arrived in camp yet, the team is shaping up well. I have reviewed the team’s needs and I believe it’s necessary to bring in seasoned players alongside the new talent. This combination will help us field a strong side,” he added.
Coach Suleiman expressed confidence in the team, highlighting the strength and potential of his players based on their preparations so far.
“We have a solid squad with talent in every position. Still not all players have arrived at camp, the team is coming together well. After assessing the team’s needs, I believe it’s important to bring in experienced players to complement the new talent. This balance will allow us to field a formidable side,” he added.
Addressing public concerns about the omission of goalkeeper Ally Salim, Coach Suleiman clarified his decision. “Ally Salim is an excellent goalkeeper, but the strategy for these matches required specific tactical considerations. That’s why he has been left out for now,” he explained.
Currently, Taifa Stars sit third in Group H with four points, while DR Congo leads with 12 points, followed by Guinea with six points. Ethiopia is at the bottom of the group with one point.
