2023 AFCON qualifers: Taifa Stars stop Uganda, Ethiopia suffer defeat

The Taifa Stars of Tanzania improved their chances of qualifying for the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard fought 1-0 win against arch-rivals Uganda Cranes in a Group F qualifier tie played on Friday in Ismailia, Egypt.

Dickson Nickson Job’s well taken cross was connected well by Simon Msuva who gave Uganda’s goalkeeper Salim Omar Magoola no chance after 65 minutes.

The win sends Tanzania to second place in the group with 4 points, behind Algeria who lead with 9 points.

Earlier Tanzania’s captain Mbwana Ally Samatta missed the target, while Joseph Benson Ochaya’s shot was also blocked by goalkeeper Aishi Salum Manula in the first half.

After the match Tanzania’s new coach Adel Amrouche said they still have to work hard and prepare ahead of the return leg in Dar es Salaam next week.

“We thank the opponent for giving us a good match. It is important that we managed to get a win and make all Tanzanians happy, but the mission is not complete yet,” added the coach.

On his part the Ugandan Cranes coach Milutin “Micho’ Sredojovic said it was unfortunate they lost, but added that the team is still in transition with several young players coming in.

“We have lost the game, but this is a lesson we must learn and go to Dar es Salaam next week for the return leg more determined and hungry to get a better result,” added the Uganda Cranes coach.

In a Group D match played last night Ethiopia suffered a 2-0 defeat to Guinea in a match played at the Muhammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Francois Kamano and Mohamed Bago netted the goals for Guinea. Egypt who beat Malawi 2-0 go top of the group with 6 points, while Guinea who also have 6 points have a lower goal difference. Malawi and Ethiopia each have 3 points.