Taifa Stars return to AFCON after stalemate against Algeria

On Thursday in Annaba, Algeria and Tanzania put the spectators through the nerve test at the May 19, 1956 stadium, after a goalless draw. The result best suits Tanzania. The Taifa Stars qualify for the AFCON next January in Cote D’Ivoire.

In a game spoiled up by a catastrophic pitch, curious refereeing and serious technical waste on both sides, only the essentials are remembered; a few uninspired attempts. The first chance fell for Simon Msuva whose powerful strike at the edge of the area was pushed away by Anthony Mandrea.

Algerians provided an almost immediate response. Farès Chaïbi placed his low shot close to Beno Kakolanya’s right post at the 4 0th minute. The latter missed by centimeters, just like Kévin van den Kerkhof, whose header, from a cross by Badredine Bouanani, came close to the target on the first half whistle (45th minute).

Returning from the locker room, Himad Abdelli, on his part, had a chance of his own to open score, but his left-footed shot, scratched the top half of the net’s roof .

Both teams will play next year’s AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.

Towards the conclusion of this FIFA international break, Algeria will play against Senegal in a friendly next Tuesday. The celebrations will go deep into the night in Dodoma.