Latest news with #TaifaStars'
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Tanzania's Roar: Unbeaten run raises trophy talk, Madagascar hold on
Under the floodlights of the stadium, the air was electric. The crowd sang, flags waved, and on the pitch, Tanzania's 'Taifa Stars' delivered yet another statement victory at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024. For head coach Hamad Suleiman, it was a night of pride. For Madagascar's Romuald Rakotondrabe, it was a night of frustration — yet not one without hope. Tanzania M arch into the Quarter-finals in Style Tanzania secured their third straight win in the group stage with a 2-1 triumph over Madagascar, sealing their ticket to the quarter-finals. Forward Francis Mzize was the star of the evening, netting both goals that sent the home fans into raptures and ensured the Taifa Stars remain one of the competition's form sides. The win wasn't just about points — it was about belief. Three matches, three victories. It's a run few teams achieve at this stage of the CHAN. 'Not Easy to Win Three Matches in a Tournament' In his post-match press conference, Hamad Suleiman made sure the spotlight shone on his players. 'I say to the players, well done. It is not easy to win three matches in the tournament. It was a tough match, and our players did a good job. We tried to press Madagascar from the start. There were some difficult moments during the game overall.' He added: 'We believe we delivered what we needed to deliver in the match. The players really gave their all throughout, and the result was fair.' Teamwork, Training, and a Touch of Luck Suleiman was quick to highlight the collective effort behind the win. 'Our mission was difficult, but we trained well and we were also lucky in the match. We recovered many balls, we played well, we found the solution in the match, and we won.' He continued: 'In general, the match was good and beautiful between the two teams. The team play we presented was beautiful, and football requires such play. I confirm that luck was with us in this match.' A Message to the Home Crowd With the quarter-finals now confirmed, Suleiman turned his thoughts to the Tanzanian supporters. 'The fact we have qualified to the next round — I must say to Tanzanians to continue supporting us and motivating the players, and to keep providing that atmosphere. We have reached this stage together in the tournament.' He added: 'We played well, and our opponent was strong. Madagascar's players defended well and their back line was solid. We trained a lot and our tactical plan was on point. I congratulate the players who gave what they had — they did well, and that's what I can say about them.' For Madagascar, a Setback but Not the End On the other side, Madagascar's head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe could only lament the result, though he refused to let the setback crush their spirit. 'It was a tough defeat against Tanzania, and this is football.' The Turning Point: A Surprise Goal Rakotondrabe pinpointed the early breakthrough as the key moment that swung the tie in Tanzania's favour. 'We played a strong match, but not like our opponent Tanzania who scored the first goal, and it was surprising. Football is always difficult.' Hope Still Alive Despite remaining on a single point after two matches, the Madagascar coach insists the door to the quarter-finals is still ajar. 'We lost the first two matches. This result is, in fact, painful, but there are still two matches ahead of us. We will work on motivating our players for the coming games.' The night ended with the host nation celebrating their flawless group-stage run, while Madagascar faced the uphill task of rekindling their campaign. The big questions now loom: can Tanzania carry this momentum to the final — and possibly the trophy? And will Madagascar, third-place finishers in the last edition, find a way to escape the group stage once again?
CAF
03-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
'We're here to win every game' – Salum sets bold target for Tanzania
Faisal Salum says Tanzania's perfect start to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has lifted the nation's spirit and set the tone for a campaign of high ambition. The midfielder, popularly known as 'Fay Toto,' delivered a standout performance in Tanzania's 2-0 win over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. His commanding display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, crowning a night he described as 'the perfect start.' 'This victory is the perfect start and makes all Tanzanians feel proud and happy,' said Salum. 'Our goal is to win every match, especially since the tournament is being held on our home ground. It is important that we prove ourselves and remain consistent in every game.' Master of midfield Salum's impact was felt across the pitch. The 27-year-old Azam FC player was the heartbeat of the Taifa Stars, linking defence to attack, dictating tempo, and calmly navigating pressure in tight spaces. His sharp passing and tactical awareness gave Tanzania a dominant grip on midfield, and he was instrumental in both goals. He initiated the sequence that led to the first-half penalty, converted by Abdul Sobo, and played a key role in the buildup to Mohammed Hussein's header that sealed the result. The performance cemented his reputation as the team's creative spark and tactical leader — a role he embraced with maturity and poise. Salum's rise signals intent For Tanzania, this win was about more than points. It was a statement of readiness, belief, and purpose. Salum's display serves as a benchmark not only for himself but also for the Taifa Stars' aspirations. With the nation co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Uganda, expectations are sky-high, and performances like Salum's fan the flames of national ambition. 'This match is just the beginning,' he said. 'We've shown what we are capable of, but there's still work to do. Every game will be a new challenge, and we must keep improving.' Man of the Match – and beyond Salum's Man of the Match award capped a performance that could set the stage for a breakthrough tournament. His vision, discipline, and control made him the clear standout on opening night. If he continues at this level, the midfielder could become one of the tournament's defining stars — not only for his talent but also for his ability to elevate those around him. 'It's always an honour to be recognised,' he said of the award. 'But it only matters because we won as a team. That's the most important thing.' Fans dare to dream The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium roared with approval as the final whistle confirmed Tanzania's first three points in Group B. For fans, it was a night to remember — not just for the win, but for the style and conviction with which it was earned. This is the first time the CHAN tournament is being hosted jointly by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. For the Tanzanian faithful, it adds extra significance — and Salum knows what it means to carry that expectation. 'We felt the fans behind us tonight,' he said. 'They give us energy, and we want to make them proud every time we play.' Bright beginnings, bigger ambitions Tanzania's victory sends them to the top of Group B and sets a positive tone for the rest of their campaign. The performance showed a balanced team with growing attacking fluidity and strong midfield control — qualities they will need in tougher matches ahead. As for Salum, the opening night showed that he is not just a cog in the system — he is a leader on the pitch. With his confidence growing and the crowd behind him, the Taifa Stars midfielder is setting the pace — and the dream — for what could be a historic CHAN tournament for Tanzania.
