Tanzania Close to CHAN Knockout Stage After Late Win
Their new-found form coupled with home support has increased the expectations of the fans that this could be the year they progress beyond the group stages.
This is the third time that Tanzania are taking part in the tournament, and they are now at the edge of qualifying past the group stage for the first time.Photo/ KBC Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Tanzania are getting closer to breaking their group-stage curse at the African Nations Championship (CHAN). The Taifa Stars recorded a big 1-0 win over Mauritania on Wednesday night in Group B action played at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
This is the third time that Tanzania are taking part in the tournament, and they are now at the edge of qualifying past the group stage for the first time.
Spurred on by vocal home support, the Taifa Stars dominated possession throughout the game. But Mauritania took a defensive approach, sitting deep and guarding their goal.
The breakthrough came finally in the 89th minute. Shomari Kapombe struck home from distance after a neat interplay with Iddi Seleman, and this drove the home crowd into ecstasy.
The victory places Tanzania at the top of Group B with six points from two matches.
They are followed by second-placed Burkina Faso with three points. They achieved their first win when they beat the Central African Republic 4-2 in a dramatic encounter earlier on the same day.
Having won their last two matches, Tanzania are now in a good position to qualify for the knockout stage. A draw against Brazil in their final group match would be enough to secure a spot.
Their new-found form coupled with home support has increased the expectations of the fans that this could be the year they progress beyond the group stages.
The CHAN tournament, which operates solely with players who feature in the home league, has always been tough for Tanzania. But with quality team work and discipline, the Taifa Stars seem to turn their story around.
It will be winning games in the last group encounters, but Tanzania’s chances look better than ever.
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