CHAN: Tanzania faced difficult moments despite Madagascar win – Suleiman

Tanzania head coach Hemed Suleiman has praised his players for reaching the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Young Africans player Clement Mzize scored a brace to ensure that Taifa Stars won their third straight Group B match 2-1 against Madagascar at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“I say to the players, well done. It is not easy to win three matches in the tournament. It was a tough match, and our players did a good job. We tried to press Madagascar from the start. There were some difficult moments during the game overall,’ Suleiman told reporters as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

He added: “We believe we delivered what we needed to deliver in the match. The players really gave their all throughout, and the result was fair.”

“Our mission was difficult, but we trained well and we were also lucky in the match. We recovered many balls, we played well, we found the solution in the match, and we won.”

He continued: “In general, the match was good and beautiful between the two teams. The team play we presented was beautiful, and football requires such play. I confirm that luck was with us in this match.”

In his message to Tanzanians with the quarters slot now secured, Suleiman said: “The fact we have qualified to the next round — I must say to Tanzanians to continue supporting us and motivating the players, and to keep providing that atmosphere. We have reached this stage together in the tournament.”

He added: “We played well, and our opponent was strong. Madagascar’s players defended well and their back line was solid. We trained a lot and our tactical plan was on point. I congratulate the players who gave what they had — they did well, and that’s what I can say about them.”

Tanzania will next face Central African Republic, who remained winless after losing 1-0 against Mauritania on Saturday.