Taifa Stars coach Hemed Suleiman said he is satisfied with the progress of his team as they aim to face DR Congo in two back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
With four points from two games, Stars just need at least two wins from their four remaining qualifiers to be assured of making it to the AFCON finals to be held next year in Morocco.
“Our main focus now is on the next two games against DR Congo of which we are aware that they are tense based on the consistency of good performances by our opponents.
“They are not an easy team to beat but I am confident with the progress of our players in camp…they are working hard to help their team succeed in DR Congo,” Suleiman said as quoted by Daily News.
He added that his charges are responding well to the training programs they are being tasked with, a thing he said gives him confidence that they will do a recommendable job.
“The mission we have is to secure AFCON qualification early. That is why these two consecutive matches against DR Congo are very important for our plan to be fulfilled.
“We respect them. They have good players but do not forget that we also have a good mixture of young and experienced players who can face any team at the moment,” he said.
On his part, the team’s defender Mohamed Hussein highlighted that they are in good shape and looking forward to the big two games ahead.
“We are progressing well and so far, I can say we do not have any problems…just focusing on the upcoming encounters and with full support from fellow Tanzanians, I am sure we will succeed,” he said.
Taifa Stars are seeking their fourth AFCON final qualification and are better placed to achieve that as three of their remaining four games will be played at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
They currently occupy second place in group H with four points while DR Congo command the group courtesy of six points after winning both of their opening fixtures.