Dar es Salaam. For Tanzania, a goalless draw against the Central African Republic (CAR) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday night was more than just a result it was an opportunity to gain perspective.
Having already secured their place in the quarter finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja 2024, coach Hemed Suleiman approached the match as a chance to assess his squad and extract key lessons for the next stages of the tournament.
For CAR, the draw was a landmark achievement. Facing a host nation in front of a passionate home crowd, the Central African Republic players walked away with pride, resilience, and their first point in CHAN history.
Suleiman: “It Was a Valuable Lesson”
Tanzania’s coach Hemed Suleiman emphasized that even without a fourth consecutive win, the match offered important insights.
“We thank God for qualifying for the quarter-finals. We entered this game already qualified, and that gave us an opportunity to test ourselves. It was a good match and also a valuable lesson for the team moving forward,” he said.
“I told the players before the match that CAR is strong and it would not be easy to break them down. Despite that, our players performed well, created opportunities, and gave their best. I congratulate them for their effort,” Suleiman added.
Securing the main objective
Suleiman was quick to stress that Tanzania’s primary goal had already been achieved progressing to the knockout rounds.
“Our players gave their all for the full 90 minutes. Our main target was to qualify for the next stage, and we achieved that. The draw is a satisfactory outcome, and it gives us confidence as we prepare for tougher challenges ahead,” he said.
Although he had hoped for a perfect group-stage run, Suleiman expressed pride in the resilience and growth of his squad.
“I’m proud of our players. Our aim was to advance, and now we can focus on sharpening our attack for the upcoming matches.”
Looking for a cutting edge
One area of concern for the coach was Tanzania’s attacking efficiency. The team created opportunities but struggled to convert them against a disciplined opponent.
“It’s always challenging to face a defensive team. We had chances but couldn’t finish. That’s football; things don’t always go your way. We will review our strategy to ensure we are more effective in the quarter-finals,” Suleiman noted.
Ngato: “Losing Was Not an Option”
On the other side, CAR coach Sébastien Ngato celebrated the point as a historic milestone for his team.
“I congratulate the organizers of CHAN 2024 for excellent preparation. Everything ran smoothly, and our players did their part,” he said.
Ngato shared the motivational message he gave his squad before kickoff: “I told them losing was forbidden. If we could secure just one point, it would boost morale—and that’s exactly what we achieved. Playing against Tanzania at home in front of their fans made it even more special.”
A Historic Milestone for CAR Football
For the Central African Republic, this tournament marked a historic step forward.
“I’m proud of this participation, as it is our first in CHAN since our country’s independence. It’s a significant year, especially after successes with our under-17 and under-20 teams. This experience is invaluable,” Ngato said.
Building for the Future
Ngato emphasized the importance of learning and developing his young squad for future competitions.
“Our goal was to gain experience and grow as a team. We will work on improving our attacking play and finishing. This is a young side, and every match teaches us something new,” he explained.
He concluded with a forward looking perspective: “We will continue to learn from both successes and setbacks. Playing against different tactics has prepared us for the next steps. Football is about growth, and we are committed to building for the future.”
