Tanzania to play Ivory Coast in friendly

The Elephants, Ivory Coast national team, will land in Dar es Salaam on January 2 for two international friendlies against Taifa Stars.

Briefing reporters yesterday, TFF president Leodegar Tenga, said the teams would clash on January 4 at the National Stadium while the rematch would be on January 7.

Tenga disclosed that The Elephants would come with all their professional players who trade skills in Europe.

Their stars include Didier Drogba and Solomon Kallou of Chelsea, Barcelona midfielder Yahya Toure and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure.

The TFF president said the federation requested the friendlies with Ivory Coast under a full backing of the Government.

"We're embarking on a special programme to promote our stadium ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals, thus the Government has given us maximum support to facilitate the friendly matches," he said.

He underscored: "The matches will not only help market our 60,000-seater stadium, but also strengthen the national team."

Taifa Stars have lately clashed with several African soccer giants including Ghana, Cameroun, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso.

The official said Ivory Coast would stay in the country until a few days before the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Angola.

Commenting on the trip, Ivory Coast Football Federation vice president Idriss Diallo said they were delighted to come and play Taifa Stars.

He said they accepted the invitation due to climatic similarities between Tanzania and Angola.

The Elephants head coach Vahid Halilhodzic echoed Dialo?s comments and confirmed to field a star-studded squad against Taifa Stars.

Source:thecitizen.co.tz/