Taifa Stars eye unbeaten run

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman has underlined that securing unbeaten run in Group B of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) remains the team’s priority.

The Tanzania national team have already clinched a place in the quarterfinals. Speaking during a training session held on Tuesday evening at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, Coach Suleiman said his side is fully focused on maintaining their winning momentum.

Suleiman said, “It’s been a good run so far with three wins and we want to keep that going. What has brought us this far is the players’ spirit and unity. We have had to dig deep in every match and now we want to finish the group stage strongly,” he added.

Tanzania has won three of their four group matches so far and a victory in their last game on Saturday against Central African Republic would ensure they remain top of the table.

Suleiman stressed that the journey through the group stage has taught his squad valuable lessons, highlighting the importance of teamwork and determination.

“Some may think it has been easy, but every match has been intense. We have fought hard in each game to secure maximum points and I credit my players for their fighting spirit and teamwork.

“I am also grateful for the support from the government, starting with President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as the ministries, federation and fellow Tanzanians,” Coach Suleiman noted.

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has also weighed in on the importance of Saturday’s encounter as being at the top of the table Tanzania will feature the quarterfinals stage at home turf.

TFF Communication Officer Clifford Ndimbo urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team.

Ndimbo said, “This final group game is just as important because staying at the top gives us the home advantage and that’s something we are fighting for.

“Finishing first comes with a significant advantage: Playing the quarterfinals on home turf at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.”

Should Tanzania fail to top the group, they would be forced to travel to Nairobi to face their quarterfinal opponents at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 22nd.

“This is a crucial match for Taifa Stars and we want to see the stadium filled. Our presence can make a big difference and give the players the extra push they need to finish top,” Ndimbo added.

Team captain Dickson Job echoed the coach’s sentiments, saying preparations are in “top gear” and that the squad is motivated to secure all 12 points.

“We are ready and determined. A win on Saturday will boost our confidence heading into the quarterfinals,” said Job.

“These results show how committed the team is. From the start of the tournament, we have been focused and disciplined and we want to continue that.”