A testing week for Taifa Stars as they face Algeria and DR Congo

The Tanzania National football team (Taifa Stars) is set to play two friendly matches during the FIFA week calendar between March 24th and 30th.

The first clash will see Taifa Stars travel to Algeria to play against the Foxes on March 22.

Algeria who have elite players such as Riyad Mahrez, Yacine Brahimi (captain), Nabil Bentaleb, Sofiane Hanni and Islam Sliman and ranked 60th by FIFA, are now rebuilding their team under Rabah Madjah the former Foxes player.

Last time the teams met in 2015 Taifa Stars got hammered 7-0 in a World Cup qualifying match. Taifa Stars was then coached by Charles Mkwasa. 

Taifa Stars wasted a two goal lead in a 2-2 draw in the first leg match played in Dar es Salaam four days before the hammering in Algeria.

Five days later they will play another friendly game this time at home against the DRC who are ranked 87th. The tie will be held on March 27.

These two fixtures will mark the return to action for Taifa Stars since the dissapointing group stage elimination in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup which was held in Kenya December last year.

Stars who currently managed by Salum Mayanga are ranked 146th by FIFA as per the latest revelation. This is the lowest among all East African countries. 

The games will be used as a part of preparation for the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers which Stars have been drawn in the same group with the likes of Uganda, Lesotho and Cape Verde.

Mayanga who is entering the final months of his contract is expected to take charge of the team as speculation about his future continue.

Tanzanian teams have normally struggled against North African opponents and it is expected this will be another tough trip against Algeria who are considered a powerhouse in the African continent.

The same can be said for DR Congo, but playing at home offers its own little advantage and hope for Taifa Stars.

The full Squad 

Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula, Ramadhani Kabwili, Abdulrahman Mohamed 

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe, Hassan Kessy, Gadiel Michael, Abdi Banda, Kelvin Yondani, Erasto Nyoni 

Midfielders: Mudathir Yahaya, Said Ndemla, Faisal Salum, Abdulaziz Makame, Shiza Kichuya, Ibrahim Ajib, Mohamed Issa, Himid Mao

Forwards: Mbwana Samatta, Simon Msuva, Rashid Mandawa, Yahaya Zayd, Shaban Idd