Photo Credit - PAOK.
Tanzania forward Mbwana Samatta scored in a second successive fixture but it was not enough to help PAOK secure victory in their 2-1 Europa League defeat against FCSB at Stadio Toumbas on Thursday.
The Taifa Stars captain put the home side ahead in the 21st minute but PAOK suffered a huge blow in the 45th minute when Brazilian defender Taison was sent off following a second yellow card.
Though PAOK went into the half-time with a 1-0 cushion, the second period turned worse for the side as FCSB took advantage of the numerical numbers. Substitute Andrei Gheorghita pulled a goal back for FCSB in the 50th minute before Cameroon international Joyskim Dawa grabbed what turned out to be the winner in the 60th minute.
So far in Europa League, Samatta, who began his career as a youth player for Tanzanian club African Lyon in 2008, has scored one goal from one game. Dawa has been a key player for Bucharest based FCSB in league and continental play with nine Europa League matches and one goal.
This was Samatta's second goal in two straight matches having found the back of the net in PAOK’s 5-0 thrashing of OFI Crete F.C. in a Super League fixture on Saturday, February 8. During the fixture, he scored the opening goal from the penalty spot.
Samatta’s form will be a huge boost for Tanzania as they prepare to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco, where they have been drawn against Uganda, Nigeria and former champions Tunisia.
Comments