Tanzania/Cape Verde: Stars Face Cape Verde

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The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

7 June 2008
Posted to the web 7 June 2008

Saleh Ali
Praia

Taifa Stars play their second African Nations/World cup 2010 qualifier against hosts Cape Verde today after a thousands-mile long haul to Praira.

The team hauled off on a chartered flight, and briefly stopped in Abidjan to refuel before proceeding to Praia for the crucial match.

All players seem to be in good shape for the clash expected to kick off at 1600 hours (1900 hours East African time).

Stars trained lightly soon after arrival.

Head coach Marcio Maximo has been in pensive mood since, probably pondering the possible outcome of a match that could either revive or dampen the spirits of his team and millions of supporters back home.

Stars are looking forward to erase the memories of a wasted chance in the qualifier opener to Mauritius, a relatively weak group rivals.

While Stars are away to Cape Verde, group leaders Cameroon are playing against Mauritius in Port Louis.

There is a possible victory for the leaders to extend their lead to six points in the standings.

Stars are playing today's match while still nursing a poor scoring syndrome that has been highly conspicuous in their last three internationals.

The Tanzania team will certainly miss playmaker Mrisho Ngasa and striking partner Abdi Kassim upfront, who have been ruled out of the match and left behind due to injuries.

Hosts Cape Verde, who have a vast number of professionals, stumbled by two spots to 109 on World soccer governing body FIFA rankings.

If their rival's world ranking is anything to go by, then there is a silver lining for the Stars, and a chance to post the much-needed first away victory in the qualifiers to revive hope of the fans at home.

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