Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman has outlined his squad’s focused preparations ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, emphasising an intensified approach to bolstering both their attacking precision and defensive stability. The Tanzanian national team is set to face Ethiopia on November 16 at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, DR Congo, followed by a home clash against Guinea on November 19 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
“We aim to maintain a balanced approach, placing equal importance on both attack and defence,” Suleiman explained to Daily News.
Our objective is to enhance our offensive plays while ensuring a strong, stable defensive line.
Suleiman’s words reflect the clear tactical adjustments being made by the Taifa Stars as they navigate the final rounds of AFCON qualification.
Suleiman acknowledged the distinct playing styles of their upcoming opponents, Ethiopia and Guinea, which differ notably from Tanzania’s style.
To this end, his technical team has been engaged in a detailed analysis of both opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, creating tactical strategies tailored to each team.
Guinea and Ethiopia play different styles of football compared to us,” he noted. “Our technical team has been working tirelessly to study these variations, allowing us to develop adaptable game plans for each opponent.”
In addition to tactical adjustments, Suleiman is concentrating on refining the finishing abilities of his forwards, addressing an area he feels could be the difference in their upcoming matches.
He stressed the importance of converting chances into goals, acknowledging that missed opportunities have been costly in the past.
We’re placing strong focus on improving our strikers’ finishing skills,” he remarked. “The aim is to capitalise on every opportunity, ensuring we turn chances into goals.”
On the defensive end, Suleiman highlighted a need for a more resilient backline, understanding that conceding fewer goals will be critical in high-stakes qualification games.
We’re working hard to tighten our defence, as allowing goals could be costly at this stage,” he explained. “Our training sessions are specifically focused on strengthening our strategies to ensure we’re solid at the back.”
As Tanzania prepares for the first fixture against Ethiopia, they sit at a critical juncture in their qualification campaign.
Suleiman’s comprehensive approach to both defence and attack reflects the stakes at hand, with AFCON qualification representing a major opportunity for Tanzanian football.
The upcoming match against Ethiopia, followed by their final clash with Guinea, will test the team’s adaptability and tactical discipline.
With just days to go before their showdown in Kinshasa, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are resolute in their efforts to refine their approach.
The double-edged focus on enhancing goal-scoring efficiency while fortifying defensive resilience marks a tactical shift that Suleiman believes could make all the difference as the team vies for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
