Taifa Stars striker Thomas Ulimwengu (C) negotiates his way past Mozambique defenders during the African nations Cup qualifier tie in Maputo yesterday. Stars lost 6-7 on penalties. (Photo courtesy of Michael Mukunza)

A Dramatic penalty shoutout send Taifa Stars out of the African Nations Cup qualifier berth as they lost by 6-7 to Mozambique after 1-1 draw in the return edge match played in Maputo yesterday.

Mozambique took the lead through Jerry Sitoe who connected a beautiful cross from Zainadine Junior in the 8th minute to put the Mambas in front on 2-1 on aggregate

The Tanzanian national soccer team trailed to the host side by one goal up to the half time mark.

However, they fought back gallantly when Aggrey Morris scored the equaliser deep into the stoppage time to give the Tanzania a potential lifeline during the game.

The teams had drawn 1-1 during the first leg played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salam on February 29.

Yesterday’s tie ended in 2-2 draw aggregate before the penalty shoutouts were insistituted.

Taifa Stars started to kick the penalties before the Mozambicans and they were all square up to the end of the mandatory five penalties.

Morris changed from a hero to villain as he squandered the last penalty while the home side scored to send fans in wild celebrations.

This is Kim Poulsen’s first defeat with the team since taking over as the new coach last month.

Stars have featured in the continent’s high profile championshiop for the first and last time in 1980 when Nigeria hosted it.

Many coaches have been failing to kill the 32-year old voodoo with Poulsen as the latest in the line-up of them.

Mozambique striker Jerry Sitoe who scored the goal during the regulation time was constantly under criticis, by spectators for misifiring.

He was finally replaced by Clesio Bauque. He got the goal for the Mambas early in the game but has missed a host of chances.

The Tanzania players were looking very tired and resorting to the long ball, which were not creating anything for them.

Sitoe was at one time alone in the penalty area but failed to control the ball before te visitors cleared. Mozambique were dominating the game but not able to extend their lead.

The visitors came out after the break with plenty of purpose but Mwinyi Kazimoto skied one from a good position.

The Taifa Stars were pressing hard to score and a shot from Mbwana Samata deflected for an abortive corner. Other Tanzanian players who missed penalties included Samata and Kelvin Yondani.