[Tanzania] Poor teamwork hurts Stars

POOR teamwork and lack of creativity cost Taifa Stars dearly in their 3-0 ugly loss to hosts Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday.

Taifa Stars, who were invited to play hosts in friendly that served as a build up match ahead of AFCON Finals early next year, lacked quality team basis, a weakness that helped the hosts stamp a west victory.

Zimbabwe scored all three goals, one in the first half and two others shortly after resumption, due to defensive blunders and disorganisation. Much of what evidenced from Stars came from individual skills.

Mbwana Samatta who was a constant menace to the Zimbabweans, lacked support as there was no serious game plan against well-drilled Zimbabwean players, the majority of them playing professional soccer in the big African European leagues.

Zimbabwe, who have qualified for 2017 Afcon finals continued with their impressive run for Gabon preparations with what looked as relative victory.

The home side had to withstand some early pressure in the opening stages and they might have been behind had it not been for the brilliance of Tatenda Mukuruva, who reacted well to keep out Belgian based Mbwana Samata pointblank shot from inside the box.

Zimbabwe slowly grew into the contest and they almost found the vital opener courtesy of Kudakwashe Mahachi, but he could not find a way beyond the Tanzanian defence.

Taifa Stars appeared to be coping well with some growing Zimbabwe pressure, but they suffered at the hands of Knowledge Musona who scored the opening goal of the match from a headed assist by Nyasha Mushekwi.

The goal seemed to inspire Zimbabwe into action and they came out of the traps quickest in the second period, Mushekwi almost earning himself a goal with a fine strike, only to be denied by the dive of goalkeeper Aishi Manula down low.

The all-important second goal arrived in the 54rd minute and it was no more than the hosts deserved, as Mathew Rusike reacted quickest to a lost ball in an exciting one-two exchange of passing before producing a standout bullet shot from outside the box beyond the reach of Manula.

The Zimbabwean Warriors were able to add some icing to the cake, as Nyasha Mushekwi added a late effort this time with Musona providing the assist with a delightful cross.

Khama Billiat was introduced just after the hour mark for the impressive Rusike while Ndoro came in for the other scorer Mushekwi. Callisto Pasuwa made a number of changes as the match came into the final stages.

Tinotende Kadewere came in for Knowledge Musona. Mahachi came out for Cuthbert Malajila, Onismor Bhasera made way for Bruce Kangwa, Hardlife Zvirkewi was replaced by Oscar Machapa. Tendai Ndoro wasted two good opportunities to add to the Warriors tally and also had a goal ruled out for an infringement. The match ended 3-0 as Zimbabwe showed plenty of positives in preparation for AFCON 2017.

In the late minutes Taifa Stars dominated the game, and were close to score a consolation with the ball that looked to have crossed the goal line, but the referee waved on.