Taifa Stars head coach Kim Poulsen

The national soccer team, Taifa Stars, play away Mozambique national side The Mambas, in the second leg of the African Nations Cup qualifiers at the Zimpeto Stadium here today.

They drew 1-1 in the first leg in the first leg match played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The results imply that one side has to post a clear win at the Zimpeto Stadium in order to advance in the continental tournament.

Speaking in Maputo yesterday, Taifa Stars head coach Kim Poulsen said his side will have a tough task against the hosts today, but he was optimistic that they will win the match.

The Danish tactician said his players are well prepared and ready for the match.

“Mozambique is a good team, they play well but we are ready for them,” said Poulsen.

Stars, sponsored by Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) through Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, arrived on Friday and started training after arriving and yesterday, ready for the qualifier return leg for Africa finals set for South Africa next year.

Stars captain Juma Kaseja was hoping his side will perform well against The Mambas today.

“We need a win, and we are well prepared for that. We know a lot about Mozambique. It is a good team, but we can beat them. What’s important is to win today,” he said.

Stars striker Mbwana Samatta, who plays for the Democratic Republic of Congo champions, TP Mazembe, said they respect The Mambas, but what they need is to win so that they can advance in the tournament.

“We respect them, but that doesn’t mean that we are afraid of them. We know without a win we will be in a tough situation, but we will try our best to perform well,” he said.