Taifa Stars show progress

MOROCCO: TAIFA Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group L qualifier at Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco yesterday, leaving both sides still searching for their first win of the campaign.

The result gave Tanzania and Madagascar their first points after both suffered defeats in their opening matches, with Stars losing 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau last Friday and Madagascar going down 2-1 to Nigeria.

Unlike their opening match against Guinea-Bissau, when they dominated possession with 60.1 per cent and registered 20 shots, Stars had less of the ball against Madagascar, finishing with 41 per cent possession and 12 attempts.

However, they remained capable of threatening the Madagascar, creating a host of clear cut chances that went begging.

In terms of chances created compared to their opening match in the group, Stars showed much improvement with striker Cyprian Kichwele bulldozing defenders with his incisive running and utilising well his phyiscal stature.

Coach Miguel Gamondi rang the changes in his staring line up with Kichwele, utility player Nathaniel Chilambo, goalkeeper Yona Amos, combative midfielder Alphonce Mabula and forward Abdul Suleiman all intruduced in the starting squad.

Compared to the previous encounter, starts showed good progress in transition where Mabula battling well in the double pivot with Himid Mao to give Stars balance and protection at the back.

Skilfful midfielder Feisal Sulum was as usual, creative and silky and he contributed the opener with a well weighted pass in the 39th minute, which cut past defenders to meet Kachwele in the space, before beating the onrushing keeper with a tricky low shot on his right .

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The goal reflected a more direct approach from Tanzania, who completed 397 passes compared with 581 against Guinea-Bissau.

Madagascar responded immediately after the break and were rewarded in the 51st minute when Nicolas Fontaine unleashed a powerful effort beyond Tanzania goalkeeper Amos to restore parity.

Two minutes later, Rayan Raveloson tested Amos, but he was equal to the task. Stars, nevertheless, had their own opportunities to reclaim the lead.

In the 67th minute, Chilambo’s low cross from the right found Kibu Denis, but Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire denied his effort.

Tanzania came even closer 10 minutes later when Denis connected with another well-weighted delivery from Chilambo, only for his effort to strike the woodwork.

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