Stars plot Chad downfall

THE national soccer team, Taifa Stars, led by KRC Genk striker Mbwana Samatta hunt for a vital victory today when they face Chad in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, Group G, crucial encounter in N’Djamena.

Samatta, who is currently plying trade with a Belgium topflight league side KRC Genk, is expected to be in-charge of Stars squad for the first time by leading his teammates to hunt for the desired victory which could draw 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.

After a barren draw with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Taifa Stars are highly motivated and are looking forward to face the Chad counterparts, the Les Sao in this crucial encounter with determination of grabbing the three crucial points away.

In their campaign en route to Gabon, the Tanzania’s Taifa Stars lost 3-0 to Egyptians, Pharaohs June last year and are seen as favourites to win today’s encounter as to restore their hope in Group G quest to reach Gabon finals.

Stars occupy the third spot in Group G with one point. Egyptians Pharaohs are at the top of the group with six points from two matches with the Super Eagles settled in the second place with four points.

Stars opponents Chad are bottom-placed in the group without a point after losing two consecutive games against the Super Eagles and Egypt. 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.

As they are placed at the bottom of the group table, Chad will be under pressure to register their first victory against their opponents, especially when they play in front of their home supporters, in a bid to revive their hopes of reaching Gabon next year.

The encounter to be staged at the Idriss Mahamat Ouya, is unpredicted and tough for both sides as both sides are all looking for a win to ensure their hopes of reaching Gabon are alive.

Congolese topflight league side TP Mazembe striker Thomas Ulimwengu and eight others, Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Erasto Nyoni, David Mwantika, Himid Mao, Farid Mussa and John Bocco were scheduled to join the rest of the team on Tuesday ready for Wednesday’s clash.

The other Group G match sees Egyptians Pharaoh who are the current group leaders playing away against the Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Friday at Kaduna.