Tanzania Taifa Stars drew 1-1 with Malawi Flames in an International Stadium played on Sunday in Mwanza Town.

TP Mazembe’s Taifa Stars striker  Mbwana Samatta scored a late  equalizer to calm the hearts of their fans in a well attended game .

Samatta’s equalizer came in  the 76th  minute after substitute Mrisho Ngasa’s danced his away around the Malawi Flames  defence poking the ball through to the dangerous Samatta who had an easy tap to make the scores 1-1 that is after Esau Kanyenda had put the Flames ahead in the 4th minute a goal that did not deter the Tanzanians.

Samatta’s goal spurred on Taifa Stars who  attacked more  vigorously .Earlier on in the game Samatta came close but his shot was well handled by Malawi keeper Macdonald Marava who had a good game thwarting many attempts.In the  18th minute  Amri Kiemba lost a glorious chance only needing to tap the ball into the net but he shot wide with Shomari  Kapombe and Haruna Chanongo being the two other culprits who despite good inticate moves failed to capitalise on their chances.

In the second half Taifa Stars coach  Mart Nooij rung  changes in a tactical move that paid off handsomely as he removed  Haruna Chanongo and brought on  Mrisho Ngassa in 59th minute who gave the assist that completely changed the game increasing the pace.

Nooj also made another change in the 68th minute where Amri Kiemba was substituted for Salum Abubakar who partnered effectively with Ngassa infront.

Mrisho Ngasa  was a thorn in the flesh of the Malawi defencewho huffed and puffed trying to contain the speedy striker who made an impact  right from his entry into the game as he provide  the killer assist that resulted in  resulted in Samata’s 76th minute goal.

Mart Nooj rung his last change late in the game bringing on John Bocco for another TP Mazembe player Thomas Ulimwengu.

The friendly match was also  part of both team’s preparations for COSAFA tournament which is to take place in May in South Africa.

Tanzania Squad:

Mwadini ally, Shomary Kapombe, Oscar Joshua, Aggrey Morris, Nadir Haroub ‘cannavaro”, Erasto Nyoni, Mwinyi Kazimoto, Haroun Chanongo/Mrisho Ngasa 59th minute, Amri Kiemba/Salum Abbubakar ‘sure boy’ 68th minute, Thomas Ulimwengu/John Bocco 81st minute and Mbwana Sammata

Malawi squad:

McDonald Marava, Joseph Kamwendo, Haray Nyirenda, Limbakan Mzava, Chimango Kaira, Francis Mulimbika, John Banda/ Frank Banda 63rd minute, Mucium Mhone, Peter Wadabwa and Essau Kanyenda/ Chikoti Chirwa 79th minute.

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