The Tanzania national team Taifa Stars beat 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter finalists DR Congo 2-0 in a friendly match at the National Stadium in Dar-es Salaam on Tuesday.
Mbwana Sammatta and Shiza Kichuya scored the goals for the home team, who will no doubt be boosted by the result as Hamed Morocco looks to get the side moving in the right direction.
Samatta’s goal came in the 74th minute, while Taifa Stars goalkeeper Aishi Manula pulled off a string of fine saves on the night to keep the Leopards scoreless.
It was never safe, though, and only when Shiza Kichuya scored in the 86th minute of the contest could Baxter and Bafana begin to relax.
The opening period was a cagey affair, a clear sign of the respect the two sides had for each other. When the game settled into a rhythm, though, it was Congolese on the attack trying to break down the superb defensive organisation of the Tanzania.
Congo’s build-ups were measured as they attempted to find a way through Taifa Stars’s tight, compact defensive lines. On many occasions, though, timely interceptions from Shomari Kapombe and Michael Mbaga stopped the Leopards in their track.
Taifa Stars first opportunity came in the 22nd minute when Gadiel Michael played in Mbwana Samatta, but the forward’s effort sailed agonisingly wide.
Later, another chance opened up for Tanzania, but this time Congolese goalkeeper Ley Matampi was at hand to tip over Simon Msuva’s dangerous-looking cross.
While the Congolese continued to hog possession, they were frustrated by a Tanzania side sticking to its sound, cohesive game plan. But, when the home side lost the ball, Congo were quick to counter and, on one such occasion, they should have scored.
Earlier in the second half, Himid Mao nearly crashed the Leopards post a second time in the 59th minute with the Congo’s defence all at sea.
And moments later a penalty appeal by Congo was overlooked by the referee after Benick Afombe appeared to have been fouled by Erasto Nyoni inside Taifa Stars box.
Taifa Stars cleared off the goal line in the dying minutes when Kebano fired at goal as Congo continued to chase the game.
Line-ups:
Tanzania : Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Gadiel Michael Mbaga, Erasto Nyoni. Abdi Banda, Kelvin Yondani, Himid Mao, Mohamed Issa, Mbwana Samatta, Saimon Msuva na Shiza Kichuya.
Subs : Ramadhan Kabwili, Mohamed Abdulrahman, Hassan Kessy, Erasto Nyoni, Mudathir Yahya, Said Ndemla, Ibrahim Ajib, Feisal Salum, Yahya Zayd, Shaban Idd Chilunda na Rashind Mandawa.
DR Congo: Ley Matampi, Issam Mpeko, Glody Ngoda, Yannick Bangala, Wilfred Moke, Aaron Tshibola/Lema Mabidi, Chancel Mbemba, Mubele Ndombe, Needkens Kebano, Benick Afobe, Yannick Bolasie.
Subs: Antony Mossi, Nathan Mabroul, Lema Mabidi, Junior Kabananga, Assombalanga Britt, Chadrac Akolo.
