FT Tanzania 2-2 Algeria

Tanzania soiled their chances of reaching the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier after letting go a commanding 2-0 lead over North African heavyweights Algeria to settle to a heartbreaking 2-2 draw at full time in Dar Es Salaam on Saturday 14.

Two quick goals from Islam Slimani in the 71st and 77th minutes were all the Desert Foxes needed to put their fate into their own hands heading into the second leg four days later.

Elias Maguli had given the home side the lead in the 42nd minute before TP Mazembe forward Mbwana Samatta added a second in the 55th minute.

A double substitution by Stars Coach Charles Mkwassa in the 65th minute pulling out Mudathir Yahya who is more defensive minded for Said Ndemla a striker and Maguli for Mrisho Ngassa another striker seemed to have given the visitors a new lease of life as they turned the heat on Stars thereafter which eventually paid handsome.

Tanzania who were generally wasteful in front of goal will have themselves to blame for the result as they should have killed the game on numerous occasions.

At the blow of the final whistle, a visibly dejected Samatta walked back to the dressing room heads down – a summary of the general mood of the evening.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com