National U-17 soccer team�s coach Bakari Shime
Serengeti Boys edged their Egyptian counterparts by 2-1 goals in
the first of two international friendly matches between the two sides
played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.
Shime disclosed that he and the rest of his team’s technical staff
have spotted galore of weaknesses in the side and will work on them to
strengthen the side.
“It was a big match for us and a very important game. We gave many
players chance to play and I’m happy they have hardly let me down,”
Shime said.
“It was the first competitive international friendly for us. Egypt,
in contrast, they have prepared for a long time and played several
matches.”
Shime also acknowledged that his team is made up of young,
inexperienced players and the team’s technical members have targeted to
ensure the youngsters achieve huge success in future.
He noted he has 31 players in his team and he will do all he can to
give all of them an opportunity to play in the two international
friendlies against the visitors so that the Serengeti Boys youngsters
can gain the much needed experience.
He also urged soccer stakeholders in the country to fully support
Serengeti Boys in their preparations for and participation in the
qualifiers.
Egypt U-17 team’s coach Amro Anwar, conceded defeat and noted that
the loss was caused by defensive mistakes that are normal in football.
Serengeti Boys managed to create two meaningful scoring
opportunities in the first half, which had otherwise seen Egypt’s U17
outfit make a series of dangerous attacks only to be let down by poor
finishing.
Serengeti Boys, at times, struggled to string passes, apart from failing to make the most of set pieces.
The squad’s fullbacks and wingers were, as well, wanting on
crossing and the weakness made it easy for Egypt’s defence to foil the
former’s attacks.
Few fans that had attended the game were treated to a more
entertaining action on resumption, in which the two teams attacked in
turns to keep the goalkeepers busy.
The hosts had over three good chances in the half but the team
failed to make the most of the opportunities because of lack of
decisiveness.
The hosts are expected to take on Egypt’s U17 side in another
international friendly match at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on
Wednesday.
It will be another opportunity for Serengeti Boys’ technical
members to properly assess the team’s game and eventually come up with
strategies for ensuring the side performs well in the continental
qualifiers.
Madagascar is expected to host the next year's U-17 AFCON finals.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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