Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) is counting the cost of preparing the national team, Taifa Stars, for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Chad.

Stars were to play Chad at the National Stadium Monday, but the Sao withdrew from the race to the Gabon finals, citing financial constraints.

Their withdrawal had dealt Tanzania a blow in the qualification process as Stars were docked three points. That left them languishing at the bottom of Group G table with just a point from two matches.

With two matches remaining, against leaders Egypt (4 points) and Nigeria (2), Stars chances of breaking the 36-year wait for the finals looked unrealistic.

While Stars were in a fix, the TFF had also lost close to Sh200 million, which was spent for preparation of the team for the double-legged tie.

The money catered for transport, accommodation and allowances of players and officials.

There is little hope that the money would be refunded for what proved to be an abortive mission. Nonetheless, the TFF president, Jamal Malinzi dropped a hint via his twitter account that they would seek compensation.

Stars beat Chad 1-0 last week to revive hopes of qualifying for the Gabon finals through either topping the group or as the best losers.

It was the first Stars victory in Group G, which left fans euphoric, but it is now gloom and doom after Chad pulled out.

It was simply a waste of time, energy and resources.

The Charles Mkwasa’s men will have to beat the five-time African champions, Egypt, at the National Stadium and rack up three points against Nigeria in Lagos.

Even as the air of despair hangs over the Tanzanian soccer lovers, Mkwasa has refused to throw a towel in now.

“Chad’s decision has put us in trouble, but we are still in the race and anything can happen in soccer,” said the former Stars player.

Should Stars win the remaining, matches, they will have seven points.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com