Samatta’s goal revives Stars hope

MBWANA Samatta’s first half goal revived Taifa Stars hopes to play in 2017 Cup of Nations finals in Gabon. The KRC Genk professional scored the vital goal in Taifa Stars 1-0 away win against Chad at Idriss Mahamat Ouya Stadium in N’Djamena late yesterday.

Taifa Stars have now hauled four points the same as the second-placed Nigeria, who were pitted to play Egypt in another Group G match. In the match officiated by Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, who was assisted by Olivier Safari Kabene and Nabina Blaise Sebutu from Congo DR, saw Taifa Stars taking a lead in the 30th minute of the first half.

The Belgium-based striker, Samatta, rounded Chadian defender Beadoum Monde before releasing a thunderbolt past Chadian keeper, Diara Gerard. The move was initiated by Farid Mussa who volleyed a cross to Samatta from a flank.

The weather in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena was very hot and humid, a situation that affected the visitors Taifa Stars. Besides scoring the winner, Samatta also squandered several golden opportunities.

He fired off targets two clear chances while his former TP Mazembe partner, Thomas Ulimwengu and midfielder, Mwinyi Kazimoto also wasted their scoring opportunities.

Stars leave today together with Chadian national team players ahead of their Sunday’s return leg at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Samatta was in-charge of Stars squad for the first time by leading his teammates in a hunt for the desired victory, which drew the roadmap for Tanzania in the race for the AFCON finals in Gabon in 2017.

The Genk striker was picked as the Stars new captain a few days after being named the CAF African Player of the Year based on the continent, taking over the captain armband from Nadir Haroub.

Taifa Stars lost 3-0 to Egyptians, Pharaohs in June, last year, before they were forced to a barren draw by visiting Super Eagles from Nigeria. Egypty’s Pharaohs are at the top of the group with six points from two matches with the Super Eagles settling in the second place with four points. Chad are bottom-placed in the group without a point after losing three consecutive games against the Super Eagles, Egypt and Taifa Stars.

They lost 0-2 to Nigeria before they were punished 5-1 by Egypt in their second outing.

The two sides, Stars and Chad met in the qualifying competition for the 2014 World Cup first round playoff and Tanzania advanced despite shockingly losing 1-0 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, as Stars had won 2-1 in the first encounter in N’Djamena and progressed to the next round on the away goals rule as they were tied 2-2 on aggregate.

Nigerian Super Eagles will host Egyptians Pharaoh at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium tomorrow at Kaduna.

Lineups: Taifa Stars: Aishi Manula, Shomary Kapombe, Mwinyi Haji Mngwali, Erasto Nyoni, Kevin Yondani, Himid Mao, Jonas Maude, Mwinyi Kazimoto/John Bocco (46 min), Mbwana Samatta, Thomas Ulimwengu/Ibrahim Hajib (85min) and Farid Mussa/David Mwantika (73 min).

Chad: Diara Gerard, Abaya Cesar, Kevine Nicaise/Addassou Eli Mathieiu(50 min), Nadjim Haroun, Beadoum Monde, Ndounnan Herman, Mahama Azarack, Betolgar Morgan, Djimenan Leger, Ndouassel Ezekiel and Ninga Casimir.