TP Mazembe duo of Ali Mbwana Samatta and Thomas Ulimwengu took their club form to the national team as each scored as Tanzania beat Malawi 2-0 in a FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier.
The hosts started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Samatta got at the end of Ulimwengu pass after beating the entire backline.
Four minutes later, Ulimwengu turned scorer with the easiest of tap ins after Malawian goalie fumbled with what appeared as an easy ball from left back Hajji Mngwali.
There were no goals in the second stanza but Tanzania came close with Ulimwengu hitting the cross bar with a header off a brilliant Mrisho Ngassa cross down the right.
Tanzania visit Malawi in Blantyre on Sunday seeking a draw to progress to the next round.
Away wins for Kenya and Burundi, Comoros hold Lesotho
There were away victories for neighbours Kenya and Burundi who won 5-2 and 1-0 against Mauritius and Seychelles respectively.
Johanna Omollo scored twice while Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga and Haruna Shakava netted the other goals for Bobby Williamson’s charges who will now host the return leg on Sunday at Kasarani.
In Seychelles, Abdul Razak Fiston scored the only goal of the game as Burundi won 1-0 away.
Elsewhere, Comoros held Lesotho to a goalless draw to earn their first ever point in the World Cup qualifiers.
South Sudan – Mauritania clash suspended
The historic clash between the Bright Stars of South Sudan and Mauritania was suspended a few minutes after kick off due to a heavy downpour.
By the time of cancellation, it was 1-1 thanks to a Dominic Abui Pretino strike for South Sudan that leveled matters after Boubacar Bagli had given the visitors a third minute lead.
FIFA, through an official communication said the match will resume on Thursday at 11:00 local time from the point where the match was stopped. The sides are scheduled to meet for the second leg in Nouakchott on Tuesday 13 October.
RESULTS:
Tanzania 2-0 Malawi
Mauritius 2-5 Kenya
Seychelles 0-1 Burundi
Comoros 0-0 Lesotho
South Sudan 1-1 Mauritania (cancelled after 15 minutes)
