TANZANIA national soccer team (Taifa Stars) interim head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has called for patience after his side managed to secure a single point in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after a 0-0 draw against Ethiopia at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Taifa Stars maintained a solid defensive shape throughout the game, but Ethiopia controlled possession and displayed composure on the ball. Both goalkeepers faced little pressure, as neither side created many clear-cut chances.

Tanzania’s best opportunity in the early stages of the match fell to forward Clement Mzize. Lusajo Mwaikenda made a dangerous run down the right flank and sent a well-placed cross into the box, but Mzize, a Young Africans forward, was unable to connect strongly enough to direct the ball toward the goal.

Coach Morocco, serving as the interim head coach following Adel Amrouche's suspension, made a key tactical change after the break, introducing Pascal Msindo in place of the ineffective Nickson Kibabage. 

The substitution brought fresh energy to the Taifa Stars, who started the second half with more intensity, registering their first shot on target soon after the restart.

Msindo’s delivery from the right flank found Feisal Salum, whose header was impressively punched away by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, resulting in a corner kick.

As the match progressed, Tanzania continued to press for a goal, creating a few more chances. However, their inability to convert in the final third proved costly. 

Mudathir Yahya, a second-half substitute, came close to breaking the deadlock with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

After the match, coach Morocco acknowledged that Tanzania struggled in the first half but showed improvement in the second period. 

He called for patience and understanding from fans as the team continues to develop.

"Of course, it was a little bit tough. We started slowly but kept on progressing. We did not play well in the first half but we improved in the second half. We created chances, especially in the last twenty minutes, but unfortunately, we did not utilize them. That is football," Morocco remarked.

He also praised Ethiopia's resilience, highlighting the challenges posed by their defensive structure. 

"Ethiopia is a very strong team. It is difficult to play against a low-block side. We tried different combinations in midfield, but it didn’t work, so we shifted to the flanks," he explained.

Morocco emphasized that this is a transitional period for Taifa Stars, with several young players in the squad who need time to adapt. 

"This is a team in transition. Most of the players are young, and they need time. We have to keep encouraging the young players to ensure they do well. I believe it is just a matter of time before this team succeeds," he added.

Tanzania will now regroup and focus on their next AFCON qualifying match against Guinea, scheduled for Tuesday.