Tanzania broke Somalia’s 2023 African Nations Championship qualifying hopes after a 2-1 win over the Ocean Stars in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
The result keeps the Taifa Stars hopes of a third CHAN appearance alive after advancing to the last qualifying stage while Somalia’s chase of an elusive debut tournament appearance came to an end this week.
Tanzania had an enterprising start, as they opened up an Ocean Stars defence with ease but they were not clinical in front of goal.
Kim Poulsen ‘s charges came out of their shell towards the end of the first stanza, as Abdoul Sopu, who scored in the first leg, broke the deadlock at half an hour mark with a powerful strike from a solo run in the box.
Aboutwaleeb Mshery was then called upon in the 40th minute, as he pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep out Awey Iman’s header from six-yards out.
Somalia had a big chance to restore their lead on the stroke of half-time after Bile Elmi went through on goal but goalkeeper Mshery spread himself and made a crucial save.
Ocean Stars leveled matters shortly after the break, when substitute Farham Ahmed turned home Abdulkadir Ali brilliant pass at the far post.
Defender Dickson Job made an impact in the 64th minute when he converted from the spot after Adiwali Mohamed brought Adoul Sopu inside the area.
Ahmed Hussein nearly drew Somalia level in the 78th minute but the Ocean Stars forward managed to head over the crossbar from six-yards out.
Rachid Lousteque’s pushed for the equaliser in the remaining stages, but were let down by some poor finishing by Hussein, who squandered another headed chance in the 89th minute.
Tanzania saw out the rest of the second half to clinch advance to the next knockout round in August, 3-1 on aggregate after 1-0 away in the first leg on July 23 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
