The international friendly match between Morocco and Tanzania's Taifa Stars, scheduled for October 5 in Morocco, has been cancelled. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) made the decision after five Taifa Stars players sustained injuries. According to TFF Media and Information Officer Cliford Ndimbo, the federation consulted Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi before agreeing to call off the match. The cancellation comes after Taifa Stars completed their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying assignment against Madagascar in Meknes, Morocco, on September 29.
The five players sustained injuries that would have prevented them from featuring in the international friendly match against Morocco. However, TFF did not name the injured players or disclose the nature of their injuries. The federation also did not state whether the affected players would return to their clubs for further medical attention. Ndimbo said the available players and members of the technical bench had been informed about the cancellation. The team had already established their base in Tangier following the match against Madagascar in Meknes.
The international friendly match would have provided Gamondi with another opportunity to assess his squad against Morocco following the AFCON qualifying assignment against Madagascar. It would also have given the coach an opportunity to test different combinations and assess players as he continues preparations for future international commitments. The cancellation has now forced a change to the team's program during the current FIFA international window.
Taifa Stars travelled with a 23-player squad for the AFCON qualifier and were scheduled to remain in Morocco for the international friendly match against the hosts. Medical reports from the camp prompted the federation and the technical bench to reconsider the fixture. According to Ndimbo, the decision to cancel the match was made after consultations with Gamondi.
TFF has not announced whether Taifa Stars will play another international friendly match to replace the cancelled fixture against Morocco. The cancellation of the match may affect the team's preparations for future international commitments. The team has not disclosed any further information about the injured players or their replacements.
The cancellation of the match is a setback for Gamondi, who would have used the opportunity to assess his squad and test different combinations. The coach had been preparing the team for future international commitments, and the cancellation may affect his plans. The team will now have to adjust their schedule and plans for the current FIFA international window.
The TFF has assured that the available players and members of the technical bench have been informed about the cancellation. The federation will continue to monitor the situation and make further decisions as necessary. The team will look to regroup and continue their preparations for future international commitments.
Key points
- The international friendly match between Morocco and Tanzania's Taifa Stars was cancelled due to five player injuries.
- The cancellation was made after consultations between the Tanzania Football Federation and Taifa Stars head coach Miguel Gamondi.
- The team will adjust their schedule and plans for the current FIFA international window.
