Taifa Stars yesterday changed Tanzania`s football pattern after a series of defeats when they hammered Kenya`s Harambee Stars 2-0 in a decisive return leg match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers held at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
By the results, Taifa Stars have secured a ticket to the second round where they will encounter Uganda Cranes at a date to be fixed later.
It was Jerry Tegete who revived Tanzanians` hopes when he registered the first goal in the 75nd minute after collecting a pass from Abdi Kassim, unleashed a thunderbolt that went straight home.
The goal boosted the players` morale whose performance was however below standard.
They launched onslaught attacks which paid off in the 90th minute when Nadir Haroub recorded the second score following a goalmouth scramble initiated by a corner kick.
Harambee Stars who resorted to a defensive game in much of the second half, looked overwhelmed, a price of which was conceding the two goals.
In the first match held two weeks ago at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Taifa Stars lost 0-1.
Line Ups:
Stars:Farouk Ramadhan, Fred Mbuna/Jerry Tegete, Juma Jabu, Nadir Haroub `Canavaro`, Salum Sued, Henry Joseph, Mrisho Ngasa, Athman Idd `Chuji`, Emmanuel Gabriel, Uhuru Suleiman/Kigi Makasi and Abdi Kassim.
Harambee:Jose Ruyo, Ali Mohmed, Philip Opia, Joseb Chikokoti, Ibrahim Shikande, Denis Owino, Anthony Dafaa/Kelvin Omond), Fredrick Ojuwang/Agrey Ongol, Levy Mwaka/John Mwangi, Godfrey Kokoyo and Francis Ovin.