‘We are ready’

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Head Coach, Hemed Suleiman, has expressed confidence in his squad as they prepare to face Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking during a pre-match press briefing, Suleiman said his team is in good form and fully focused on the tactical demands of the game.

“We are currently in good form. Football is all about tactic. What matters is who has a better approach to the game. The team with a better approach wins,” said Coach Suleiman.

Taifa Stars have impressed in the group stage and the coach believes the players’ motivation and morale remain high going into the knockout round.

“Our players are well-motivated, spirited, with high morale from the beginning of the competition until now. We have done well in our previous games and we aim to maintain our form. With God’s will, we will excel against Morocco,” he said.

Reflecting on preparations, Suleiman noted that the team took time to analyse their performance in the group stage, including the final match against the Central African Republic (CAR).

“After the last group match, we had a session to review all matches we had played. We looked at our strengths and weaknesses and where to improve. We also did video analysis of Morocco,” said the tactician.

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The team has since returned to training with a focus on tactical and psychological readiness.

“We have trained for four to five days ahead of the Morocco match. We have a good team. The team is compact and the players have matured. It will not be an easy match; It is a knockout stage but we are ready,” he said.

Suleiman showed respect for the Moroccan side but remained hopeful saying: “We know Morocco are a good team and we respect them. It will be a tough match, but we are ready for them tactically, psychologically, mentally and physically. We are optimistic that we will do well, win and give Tanzania a present.”

The coach also acknowledged the importance of fan support, urging Tanzanians to fill the stands: “Football fans have their role in giving the players energy and lifting their spirit to excel. I keep on calling them to come in numbers and rally for us. They have played a unique role in helping the players perform.”

The winner of the Tanzania– Morocco match will face either Uganda or Senegal in the semifinal.