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Dar es Salaam. The interim head coach of the Tanzania national football team, known as Taifa Stars, Miguel Gamondi, has blamed his team’s 4–3 loss against Kuwait on a momentary loss of focus, especially during the beginning of the second half, which enabled the opposing team to stage an impressive recovery.

The international friendly match, held in Cairo on Saturday, signified Gamondi’s debut game as manager following his appointment to replace Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman.

Although the Taifa Stars had a strong first half, dominating the game and leading 2–0 comfortably, they collapsed after the break, allowing four goals within 23 minutes.

Tanzania’s losing streak has now lasted four straight games, starting from September.

The Stars tied 1-1 against Congo Brazzaville in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier on September 5, followed by consecutive home defeats at the hands of Niger and Zambia.

They eventually lost 2–0 to Iran in a friendly match held in Dubai on October 14.

The defeat on Saturday has raised increasing worries as the team moves nearer to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Gamondi, after the game, mentioned that the team followed the strategy effectively in the first half but struggled to handle Kuwait’s intense pressure right after the break.

We performed exceptionally in the first half,” he stated. “However, we lost focus during the initial moments of the second half. Kuwait effectively utilized their set pieces, and we conceded two rapid goals.

Tanzania went ahead in the 6th minute when Charles M’Mombwa scored following a carefully executed play.

Tarryn Allarakhia extended the lead in the 34th minute, concluding a strong offensive performance where Taifa Stars controlled the ball and generated multiple promising opportunities.

Heading into halftime with a well-earned 2–0 advantage, Gamondi appeared poised for an outstanding beginning.

However, the momentum changed immediately after the break. Kuwait scored a goal in the 46th minute via Mohammad Daham, and he netted another one in the 53rd to make the score 2–2.

The defensive breakdown persisted, as Youssef Naser secured the resurgence in the 64th minute, giving Kuwait a 3–2 lead.

Five minutes later, Kuwait increased their advantage to 4–2 as Hasan Al Anezi took advantage of another error in Tanzania’s defensive setup. M’Mombwa netted his second goal in the 87th minute, reducing the deficit to 4–3, but it was too late for Tanzania to salvage the match.

Gamondi acknowledged that his directions during the break were not carried out correctly.

“We instructed the players to remain highly vigilant during the first 15 minutes of the second half and to refrain from making avoidable errors. Regrettably, we couldn’t handle that phase effectively, and we conceded three goals. You can’t give up goals like we did,” he stated.

Although there was disappointment, Gamondi emphasizes that the team should find advantages in their first-half display and concentrate on fixing mistakes prior to traveling to the AFCON finals.

“We must examine this game thoroughly, correct the errors, and enhance the aspects we executed successfully,” he added.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).