The Head Coach of Tanzania’s national team, Taifa Stars, Hemed Suleiman 'Morocco', has confirmed that his squad is 80% ready, with the remaining preparations to be completed in the final days leading up to the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off this Saturday.
Speaking recently after a preparatory match against Senegal — part of their final tune-up for the CHAN tournament being co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda — Morocco said that although his team claimed a win, there are still a few areas that need improvement, which he plans to address in the coming days.
In the match held at Black Rhino Stadium in Karatu, Arusha, Taifa Stars defeated Senegal 2–1 with goals from Abdul Suleiman Sopu and Ibrahim Hamad ‘Bacca’.
"We wrapped up the match safely and achieved about 80% of what we aimed for in these two games," said Morocco.
"There are still things that need fixing — certain areas require work before our opening CHAN match on August 2," he added.
He assured Tanzanians that by Saturday, everything would be in place and the team aims to perform well in their opening match against Burkina Faso at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
"We’re continuing to prepare. We’re heading back home and have four days to fix the gaps we saw in these two matches. Although we won, I believe we’ll be ready by matchday," he said.
This was Taifa Stars' second straight victory, following a 1–0 win against Uganda Cranes last Tuesday at the same venue. The lone goal in that match was scored by Idd Selemani 'Nado', during the CECAFA 3 Nations Pre-CHAN tournament.
The Taifa Stars squad has returned to Dar es Salaam for final preparations ahead of Saturday’s CHAN opening match.
