Israel Saria
Jeremias Sitoe’s double once in each half completely demolished visiting Taifa Stars in a friendly international played at the newly constructed National Stadium here on Saturday night.
Defensive mix up by Stars caused the havoc as striker Sitoe scored all the two goals in similar fashion as the host nation emerged victorious.
Mozambique President Armando Guebuza inaugurated the 40,000 capacity stadium here on the night that saw his boys stealing the show before their home fans.
Fast moving striker Sitoe made full use of defensive mix up by centre back Nadir Haroub and Aggrey Morris to break the stalemate after 19 minutes.
The defensive duo thought Sitoe was off side but the referee was not interested as the hosts registered the opener.
Stars striking trio of Salum Machaku, John Boko and Mwinyi Kazimoto threw overboard glorious opportunities to score following timely clearances by alert Mozambique defenders.
The visitors conceded the second goal under similar circumstances six minutes into the second half to find the tide rising up to their nose.
Stars tried in vain to search of equaliser but time proved unfriendly.
Danish coach Jan Poulsen substituted goalkeeper Shaaban Dihile for Juma Kaseja in the second half to stabilise the defence.
He also replaced Mohamed Banka, Kazimoto and Machaku in favour of Ramadhan Chombo, Mbwana Samata and Julius Mrope in frantic efforts to find an equaliser.
The changes proved effective but goals were elusive as Stars defensive duo of skipper Shadrack Nsajigwa and Haroub were flashed with yellow cards by Swaziland’s referee Simanga Hhleko.
“It’s a poor result but you have played a promising game buoyed by high spirit and determination,” said the Stars coach.
The host side looked aggressive upfront and gave Stars defenders a hectic moment whenever they were in Stars half.
Mozambique are expecting to compete in the All Africa Games to be played here later in September.
Stars coach
Poulsen would make use of one week recess before recalling them for another camp on May 2.
Stars have slightly more than a month before they travel to Bangui for the return leg match of the African Nations Cup qualifier series on June 4.
The Tanzania team has another friendly international against visiting South African national team on May 14, three weeks ahead of their visit to Bangui.
Stars were expected back home by yesterday.
Line-ups:
Stars:
Shaban Dihile/ Juma Kaseja, Shadrack Nsajigwa, Amir Maftah,Aggrey Morris, Nadir Haroub, Shaabani Nditi,
Mohamed Banka/Ramadhan Chombo, Nurdin Bakari, John Boko, Mwinyi Kazimoto/Mbwana Samata and Salum Machaku/ Julius Mrope.
Mambas: Joao Kampango, Momed Hagi, Eugenio Bila, Eduardo Jumisse/Stelio Ernesto, Carlos Chimomole/Arlindo Cumaio, Sitoe/Danilo Manhonga, Samuel Chapanga/Francisco Muchanga, Francisco Massinga, Almiro Lobo, Celcisio Bonifacio and Zainadine Junior.
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