Amrouche slams Taifa Stars players for poor performance

The game served as Taifa Stars' solitary warm-up encounter ahead of the tournament's start in Cote d’Ivoire on January 13.

Taifa Stars head coach Adel Amrouche utilized the opportunity to assess his players, fielding Simba SC's goalkeeper Aishi Manula, left-back Mohamed Hussein, and Ben Starkie, both returning after a prolonged absence.

Additionally, Tarryn Allarakihia, Charles M’mombwa, Mohamed Omar, Novatus Dismas, Dennis Kibu, and Haji Mnoga featured in the match after coming from the bench in the second half.

In the first Tanzania sat too deep and ceded possession to Egypt. Taifa Stars managed to contain Egypt until the 33rd minute when Mohamed Salah delivered a precise long pass to Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’, allowing the midfielder to beat the oncoming Manula from close range.

Amrouche made six changes after the break which saw an improved performance from Taifa Stars.

However, with the game more open in the second half, Egypt pressed forward, resulting in substitute Omar Marmoush being brought down in the penalty area midway through the period.

Salah turned from provider to scorer as he scored from the penalty kick to secure Egypt's second goal of the match.

A livid Amrouche called out his players in a very short postgame media session that lasted all of about 60 seconds.

The tactician pointed out: “If you have two hundred shillings in your pocket you can’t travel to Kigoma. You must be realistic. There are some players, whose deliverance is not what I think (expect). It is the reality and we saw it.”

“The name is nothing, we need players who can do something. I am happy with some players and unhappy with others,” he disclosed.

The Belgo-Algerian coach noted: “And you know we don’t have lots of time to correct everything. I am happy with the coming back of Tshabalala and also happy for Tarryn, for Charles.”

“There are some players who give satisfaction and there are others who if I can change the list now I will send them home. It is the reality,” Amrouche stressed.

Taifa Stars will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against World Cup semi-finalist on January 17, followed by a clash with Zambia four days later, concluding their group stage against DR Congo on January 24.