Young plays down Tanzania loss

Flames coach Young Chimodzi has played down Tuesday’s 0-1 loss to Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, saying the game was specifically about planning for Saturday’s game against Chad.

A 36th minute goal from Amri Kiemba made the difference in the strength-testing match at National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam as the two teams tuned up for their respective return legs of the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

“People should not read much in the results as this match was about experimenting the game plan we want to use against Chad.

“It was also about trying different combinations to suit the approach because the style of play is going to be different and it worked out perfectly although we still need to polish up in a few areas,” Chimodzi said in a telephone interview from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia en route to Chad.

He said there was also an improvement on cohesion and the team was able to build up meaningful attacks.

“There were also other players that did not play in the first leg and we needed to assess them in a game situation and see how they would fare,” he said.

The Flames made six substitutions as some key players were rested in preparation for Saturday’s game.

“Of course, while there was national pride at stake, the players were not pushed to the limit knowing that we have a daunting task ahead and hence the need to avoid injuries,” he added.

Those that were taken-off stage included captain Moses Chavula (Francis Mulimbika), Limbikani Mzava (Bashir Maunde), Young Chimodzi Jnr (John Banda), Gabadinho Mhango (Robin Ngalande), Joseph Kamwendo (Frank Banda) and Atusaye Nyondo (Rodrick Gonani).

Goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa earned his first cap as first-choice goaltender Charles Swini and another understudy goalkeeper Vincent Gona watched from the sidelines.

“We had to try Chipuwa to prepare him in the event that something happens to Swini. We also felt it is time he got a run,” said Chimodzi.

Apart from Chipuwa, others who played a full game were Foster Namwela, Phillip Masiye, John Lanjesi and Chimango Kayira.

From the line-up it was evident that the approach in Dar-es-Salaam was defensive.

The Flames wore a red and white stripped kit similar to that of Spanish side Atletico Madrid, which they will also wear on Saturday.