Nadir Haroub Nahohdha wa Taifa StarsGoal

Opinion: Key talking points from Tanzania’s defeat by Algeria

Tanzania have been stunned by a 4-1 defeat by Algeria in a friendly match which was held at Bilda, Algeria.

Goal looks back on some of the main talking points from the match.

Algeria striking line proved too much for Tanzania defenders

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Tanzania's back four with the likes of Shomari Kapombe, Gadiel Michael, Kelvin Yondani and Abdi Banda were not able to deal with Algeria's skillful striking line led by Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez played a key part in unsettling Tanzania’s defenders. His dribbling was amazing and he got past defenders more often. He was linking play well with his fellow front men such as Sofiane Hanni and Baghad Bounedjah. The score line could have been bigger.

They combined very well to score the opening goal, then again they linked well to get an easy third goal. Bounedjah got past four defenders to score a fourth goal of the match and two for himself.

Simon Msuva has matured

Since his move to play outside Tanzania, there is gradual change to the former Yanga winger. He scored a fantastic timed header and he was lively throughout the game.

His experience playing in Northern Africa (Morocco) shone clear in the match. 

Himid Mao “is not fit”

The holding midfielder was sidelined for at least a month due to injury and he has not featured in some crucial games for his club (Azam FC).

He was due to return to action after the international break but many were surprised to see Salum Mayanga name him before the squad departed from Dar es Salaam. That was such a shock decision.

He started the game at the middle and he disappointed. He misplaced passes too often and he did not regain possession. He was kept inside the pocket of Nabil Bentleb throughout the game.

Taifa Stars need an experienced coach

Salum Mayanga is one of the best local coaches and he has an impressive record since he started coaching Taifa Stars in 2016, but I think it is time for him to leave the seat for an experienced coach who can move this team from one place to another.

DRC Congo will be a good test for Stars

Taifa Stars will host DRC Congo on March 27 and that I think this will be the real test for the technical bench and some of the players who didn’t impress in the Algeria encounter.

Players such as goalkeeper Abdulrahman Mohamed who played for the first time in the Algeria clash will be eager to show his quality if he gets a chance to start again.

Also Rashid Mandawa, Abdulaziz Makame, Mohamed Issa and Feisal Salum will need to show an improved performance..
 

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