As the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) Group B reaches its final round, two different football stories will be written at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium tonight.
On one end, unstoppable hosts Tanzania, flawless in their first three matches, are chasing perfection and history. On the other, debutants Central African Republic, bruised by three consecutive defeats, are seeking redemption, pride and forgiveness.
“We are going to step on the pitch tomorrow and give everything we have,” said Central African Republic head coach Sebastien Ngato.
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Ngata did not shy away from taking responsibility, asking his Central African Republic people to forgive them for the poor display.
“I want to call upon our people to forgive us, it has taken a lot of struggle to reach this stage even though we have not registered a win yet. This is our first time playing at this level, and we understand the expectations,” he added.
The Bas Oubangui wildebeest’s maiden Chan campaign has been a harsh learning curve: three matches, no point, and a missed opportunity to gift their nation a win on August 13, their Independence Day, when Madagascar outclassed them 2-0.
Ngato, who has guided his side through a baptism of fire, insists they will not simply roll over for the hosts, admitting the results have hurt, but insists his side will fight to the end.
“This is our last match, and for the sake of respect, we will give our best. Tanzania are a normal team like the rest. We are not frightened by the crowd,” he said.
“We wasted too many opportunities in previous matches, and I accept that, but these are lessons we will carry into the future.”
For the players, the disappointment runs just very deep. Midfielder Donald Guesset, who has been part of the team’s historic debut, spoke with a mixture of regret and determination.
”This was our debut in the tournament, and I have learned so much alongside my teammates, we have played the matches. It has not been easy, but that does not mean we did not give our all; we did our best, we just did not win,” he said.
He regretted that his side had plenty of chances in the matches they played but failed to utilise them.
“The last match means a lot to us, we want to fight for three points and finish strong,” he added.
For group leaders, however, the match will be about writing the next golden page of Tanzanian football.
Taifa Stars coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman, already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, wants his men to finish the group with a perfect record.
”It is a great pleasure for us to have qualified for the next stage, our confidence is high, but we know we must give our all to win every match. We want to make history. The Central African Republic is a tough side and will be desperate to get a win before leaving. We must respect that and play very well,” said Suleiman.
Suleiman revealed his team has worked on their finishing and midfield play after missing chances in earlier matches.
“I have my full squad available, and whichever player I bring in, I know they are capable. We also want to avoid injuries as we move forward, but tomorrow’s game is important to set the tone for the rest of our campaign,” said Suleiman.
In the Taifa Stars dressing room, the message is the same.
Goalkeeper Aishi Manuala, one of the team’s senior figures, is eager to seal a perfect group stage.
”We have already made history by qualifying, but now we aim to win all our group matches. Our opponents will give everything to win, but as players we have agreed that this is our chance to leave a mark in the tournament,” said Manula who plays for Azam FC.
With Tanzania sitting pretty on nine points and the Central African Republic stranded on zero, the match might look like a formality on paper, but for Ngato’s men, they will be fuelled by wounded pride.