Stingless scorpions of The Gambia have yet again surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1. The scorpions gave up their early lead to allow Tanzania came from behind to win 2-1 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.
Momodou Ceesay gave the Scorpions a first-half lead but centre back Shomari Kapombe equalized for Taifa Stars and Erasto Nyoni scored from a penalty to give Kim Poulsen’s team a deserved win. The victory over the scorpions revived the Taifa Stars qualification hopes and dented the Scorpions hopes.
The home side began brightly and threatened in the second minute when attacking midfielder Mrisho Ngassa set up Mbwana Samatta outside the 18-yard box, but the TP Mazembe striker attempted a powerful shot that was cleared by Gambia defenders. Taifa Stars conceded against the run of play, when Gambia’s striker Momodou Ceesay headed the opener form a perfectly weighed up cross from Saihou Gassama.
The goal energised the Gambian players, but Taifa Stars remained dominant and were inches away from drawing level when midfielder Mwinyi Kazimoto let fly with a screamer only to be denied by the right post. Tanzania continued to command the proceedings, with right full-back Erasto Nyoni sending another effort off target.
However, for all their dominance, Taifa Stars lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and trailed by the lone goal as the two teams progressed into the dressing rooms for the breather.
Tanzania’s urgency increased after the interval with another bout of persistent pressure, but the Gambia defence stood firm and kept the Taifa Stars strikers John Bocco and Samatta at bay.
But as the Scorpions tire out, they curled their tails and allow the home team to pulled the game into level terms through centre back Shomari Kapombe who connected with a bicycle kick from a cross floated in by overlapping Nyoni.
Nyoni scored the winner on the 85th minute from the spot kick after one of Gambia defenders had handled the ball inside the box. Gambia occasionally posed threat to equalize but the home side with the team’s brawny attacker, Ceesay, proving handful to Tanzanian defenders in one on one situation.
The math-day two results saw Tanzania move into second position in Group D with 3 points, one behind leaders Ivory Coast who on Saturday drew 2-2 with now third-placed Morocco, while Gambia sit bottom with a point on hand after two games.