Maximo turns focus on 2010 CAN/FIFA qualifiers

Tanzania national football team head coach Marcio Maximo has turned his focus on next year’s Africa and World Cup qualifiers after the devastating loss to Sudan in the quarter-finals of Cecafa Challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam on Monday. The Brzilian was short of words after encountering what he described as a ‘shock’ defeat, which also cost the hosts a place in the semifinal. Maximo told Times Sport, “I have nothing to say, we lose as a team and win as a team. We created so many chances, missed a penalty so let us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. “We have a good team and early preparations are one of the first steps that are going to be ensured now. I am giving them a rest for three weeks before embarking on serious preparations for the 2010 Africa and World Cup qualifiers,” a seemigly disapppointed Maximo said. He added, “I have young but good players and if add the others whom we never considered for Cecafa, this team will be stronger than ever before.” Things turned rough for the Kilimanjaro Stars after Nizar Khalfan missed a penalty in the last 10 minutes to let Tanzania lose 2-1 to Sudan and crash out of the tournament at the national stadium in Dar es Salaam.Tanzania will face Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands and Mauritius in group one of the 2010 African and World Cup qualifiers. Tanzania and Cameroon have never met before. Mauritius eliminated Tanzania 3-2 in the African Cup of Nations qualifying matches in 2001. They forced goalless draw in the first match played in Dar es Salaam before losing 2-3 in away match. By then Taifa Stars were under German tactician Pape Burkhard assisted by Syllersaid Mziray and Boniface Mkwasa. Adam Brown was the team manager. Ends

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Maximo turns focus on 2010 CAN/FIFA qualifiers