The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Majuto Omary
12 March 2008
The international friendly between Taifa Stars and their Mozambican counterparts on March 26 is almost definite now following confirmation by Mozambique's soccer governing body.
And the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) is footing the bill of the entire 20-member Mozambican team.
TFF secretary general, Fredrick Mwakalebela confirmed the development saying Mozambican players would come from different countries where they are currently playing professional soccer for the friendly that would be played at the National Stadium.
Although Mwakalebela could not divulge much on the visitor's line-up, he said chances were the same players who frustrated Taifa's campaign for Afcon 2008 finals would come.
"Mozambique is likely to bring the same formidable squad that recently shattered Taifa's dreams because the friendly will have an impact on Fifa rankings," he said.
Mozambique's South Africa based striker Tico Tico, whose trademark header destroyed Taifa in the previous encounter, is tipped to be in the line-up.
In the Stars camp, preparations for the match seem to be progressing well with head coach Marcio Maximo expected to announce the squad this Friday. The hosts will use the friendly as a build up to their African Nations Cup date for locally based players with Harambee Stars of Kenya on March 30.
But more is also expected of the Stars for the 2010 African Nations and World Cup qualifiers, in addition to the obvious need to go up the ladder on Fifa rankings. While the national team was conspicuous by its absence in Ghana recently, fans are hoping the boys will make it to Angola, for Afcon 2010; and South Africa, for the World Cup finals
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