Taifa stars to push for WC qualification

As a nation competing in a highly competitive group during the CAF Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Tanzania will hope to apply pressure to Morocco at the top of Group E when they take on Congo at the Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 5pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

As it stands, Tanzania are second in Group E, six points behind Morocco who have been immaculate during their qualifying bid. Congo on the other hand are without a victory on the standings and sit in last position heading into matchday seven.

Tanzania are scheduled to face Congo and Niger in their next two Group E assignments and will go into their next game on the back of a 2-0 loss against the Atlas Lions in their last qualifier that took place at Stade Municipal on 25 March.

Congo’s Fifa suspensions halted their progress throughout their qualifying campaign, while their woes were compounded by damaging losses to Zambia and Morocco.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking ahead of their upcoming qualifiers, Tanzania assistant coach Jamhuri Kihwelu believes that his side had ample time to build up match fitness with their club sides.

“Considering that all players have been actively training with their respective clubs, we are confident of delivering a strong performance despite limited preparation together,” Kihwelu said.

With Fabrizio Cesana set to lead Congo for the remainder of their Group E assignments, the Red Devils mentor expressed that they will use their next three games as a measuring stick for their future advancements.

“We will play these three matches and at the end we will see what happens. If the coach is good, if he has worked well or badly, if the players have done well or badly,” Cesana said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tanzania: Mbwana Samatta – Simply known as Ally Samatta, the Tanzania captain and striker will be a crucial component to the squad during the next two qualifiers. As a late addition to Tanzania’s team, Samatta could well be thrown straight into the starting XI against Congo.

Congo: Chandrel Massanga – Amid a largely changed squad, Massanga retained his place in the midfield department. With The Red Devils battling to accumulate points, Massanga will be key in holding the stability of the team in defensive transitions.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between the two nations.