Julien Mette wants sharper attacking decisions as Tusker prepare to overturn Singida Black Stars’ narrow advantage in Dar es Salaam.
Tusker coach Mette criticised Singida Black Stars’ playing style after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Nyayo National Stadium. However, he remains confident his side can overturn the deficit in Tanzania.
Jeancy Mboma’s second-half goal decided the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg. Tusker now need a turnaround in Dar es Salaam on October 25 to keep their continental campaign alive.
Julien Mette argued that his team played better football but failed to make their chances count. He also challenged his players to attack more directly when they reach the final third.
Tusker coach Mette questions Singida’s approach
The Frenchman described Singida’s football as poor and frustrating, while acknowledging that the visitors secured the result. In his assessment, Tusker’s overall performance deserved more than a home defeat.
However, Mette credited Mboma for taking his opportunity rather than looking for another pass. He also claimed Singida scored with their first shot on target.
That contrast shaped his assessment of the game: Tusker created openings without finishing, while Singida made their opportunity count. The coach said his team needed better decisions in the final 20 metres.
Despite his frustration, Mette believes the narrow scoreline leaves Tusker with a realistic chance of progressing. He argued that conceding a second goal would have made the return fixture considerably harder.
Mboma punishes Tusker’s missed chances
Tusker threatened before the interval but could not establish a lead on home ground. Ian Simiyu tested goalkeeper Yona Amos following a move involving Alvin Mang’eni and Victor Mbaoma.
However, the hosts failed to turn their promising attacking play into a breakthrough. Singida then moved ahead seven minutes after the restart through Congolese winger Mboma.
His delivery from the left flank caught Tusker goalkeeper Perrauld Ndinga off guard and found the net. The 52nd-minute goal gave the visitors an advantage they defended for the rest of the match.
In response, Tusker pushed forward in search of an equaliser but struggled against Singida’s organised defence. Mbaoma missed a chance to level, while captain Aboud Omar sent a free-kick narrowly wide.
Dar es Salaam return offers another chance
Singida held firm through the closing stages to secure the away win. They reached the Confederation Cup group stage last season and now carry a one-goal cushion into the return.
Meanwhile, Mette expressed disappointment that Tusker could not reward their Kenyan supporters with a victory. His focus now turns to sharper finishing and more decisive attacking play in Tanzania.
