Tanzania got off to a losing start in the FIFA Series. The Taifa Stars lost to Bulgaria (1-0) in Baki, Azerbaijan.K. Despodow gave the Bulgarians the lead in the 52nd minute. The Tanzanians tried their best to get back into the match, but struggled in the final third. They will be looking to bounce back against Mongolia on Monday March 25.

FIFA Series 2024

FT’ @TaifaStars_ 🇹🇿 0️⃣-1️⃣ 🇧🇬 Bulgaria @fifamedia @CAF_Online @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/hOZuUgaUKE

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) March 22, 2024

South Africa drew 1-1 with Andorra in a friendly (Fifa series) in Annaba, in a match largely dominated by Bafana Bafana. But they weren't clinical enough in front of goal.

That's what Hugo Broos had to say about the team's main shortcoming."The problem with South African soccer is that we don't really have a goalscorer, the guy who can take a chance and score the goal. If you look at the six or seven chances we had today and we only scored once. You'll always win this match if you're more aggressive, if you have more quality in front of goal. That's the only thing I'm not satisfied with, but once again, I'm very pleased with the players. They played very well today," the Belgian told the South African Football Association (Safa) media.

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Always one to denounce, Demba Ba has not failed to react to the French Football Federation's measures concerning Ramadan. Now a sports advisor at Dunkerque, the former Senegalese international deplores the fact that the FFF forbids Muslim players on French team duty to fast. What's more, some media are reporting that Lyon's Mahamadou Diawara has been dropped from the French U19 squad for refusing to abide by these rules.

"If you want to deny them facilities in the lifestyle they've chosen, I can understand that, but no... you want to forbid them to be Muslim. Because whether we like it or not, it's part of their identity that we're trying to erase", Demba Ba starts by claiming on his social networks. And he adds. "Have you ever imagined the positive impact that players could have in their performances and vis-à-vis their coaches and hierarchical superiors, if they were supported in their efforts rather than condemned? Soccer still has a lot to learn when it comes to human management. Furthermore, France has refused to give a break during matches to break the fast, unlike other leagues such as the Premier League.