Taifa Stars face tough task ahead

The national football team (Taifa Stars) are facing a difficult task ahead in their quest for the 2010 World Cup/ African Nations place following a 1-0 defeat by Cape Verde on Saturday in Praia.

Saturday`s defeat was preceded by a 1-1 draw against Mauritius on May 30 in Dar es Salaam.
Taifa Stars conceded a lone goal in 73rd minute through substitute Babanco.

The first half the match ended goalless due to Taifa Stars impressive display.

This result puts Taifa Stars at the bottom of Group A with only one point in two matches whereas the victory on Saturday enabled Cape Verde to jump into second place.

Group A first-placed Cameroon was expected to face Mauritius later yesterday in Curepipe.

Following the defeat by Cape Verde, Stars have undoubtedly a difficult task ahead to ensure that its qualifying bid does succeed, especially by winning the remaining two home games.

This task should start at the weekend of June 14-15 when Stars host 2008 African Cup Nations finalists Cameroon in Dar es Salaam.

Despite the defeat some Stars fans remain optimistic of the coming games.

“The defeat by Cape Verde has put us in a difficult position in the group. But I believe that we can still qualify because our team is good, what players are supposed to do is to continue working hard and use properly the scoring opportunities they normally get in a match.

“If they are going do this in the coming matches I am sure we will make it,“ said Florian Mhaluma, a football fan who is a second year student at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Similarly, Alan Rwechungura sounded hopeful on Taifa Stars forthcoming matches. “I am sure Taifa Stars will qualify for the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations because our team is basically still a good team and we are required to support them.

“Coach Maximo should add more tactics and exercises particularly on how to score many goals. Players should not be frustrated but they have to focus on the coming matches here at home and away.“

• SOURCE: Guardian