Taifa Stars go down fighting

Taifa Stars` hopes for advancing in the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations were dashed yesterday when they conceded 2-1 at the hands of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a return leg match held in Yaounde.

The first half started at a low pace with each team cautiously studying each the game pattern of the opponent and attacking.

Stars put up a brave fight against the favourites Cameroon who forced the first corner in the tenth minute which was saved by goalie Ivo Mapunda.

All the goals were realised in the second half after battling to a goalless in the first half.

Cameroon were the first to register their score in the 66th minute through Samuel Eto`o. Stars goalie Mapunda punched a corner kick from Jeremy Njitap which landed into the hands of unmarked Eto`o.

However, Stars` hopes that were almost diminishing after missing several scoring chances, were revived in the 77th minute when Dan Mrwanda equalised the goal. He converted a through pass from Jerry Tegete into the net.

It was Eto`o again who proved later to the Stars defence that he was a man to reckon with when he scored the second goal for his team following a goalmouth scramble.

By the results Stars` who have collected two points in three matches, have slim chances for the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup Nations.

• SOURCE: Sunday Observer