Taifa stars' Goalkeeper Manula leaves mark in Nigeria

The eagle-eyed Taifa Stars custodian was the outright starter in the absence of Deogratius Munishi, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hand. 

Manula, who plays for Azam had the game of his life in Uyo and was unarguably the number 1 player on the pitch for both sides as he almost singlehandedly held a dominating Nigerian side at bay. 

From the moment the game started the spry keeper refused to wilt and dealt with everything the Eagles strikers and forwards threw at him. He was absolutely amazing punching balls out, tipping them over the bar and wrestling them from the feet of the onrushing West Africans with just millimeters to spare. 

At one point in the game, the Eagles beyond frustration, could only smile as the 20-year old proved invincible again preventing Ahmed Musa from scoring while off- side.

 For 78 minutes, he was the centre of attraction as even the Nigerian fans started to appreciate each and every cat like save he delivered. Finally when he was beaten it was by a ball that would have left even Neuer or Buffon grasping for straws. 

 After the game he was of course singled out, and the accolades given by both the appreciative fans happy to have seen such a performance, as well as the Super Eagles he had just frustrated. 

Even the Nigerian coach Rohr basking in the glow of his first win, took time out to honour the Tanzania saying “ that was a performance for the books.” Manula surrounded by fans desperately trying to get ‘selfies’ remained grounded despite all the praise.

 He rather pointed out that it was a team effort and that he just did his part. So while Tanzanian coach Mkwasa may still need to tinker with his midfield and attack, he need not look to his goal for any changes, because in between the sticks he already has a 48 karat star.

 Nigeria, who will miss out on the AFCON for the second time running, finished in second position with five points, five behind leaders Egypt who had since nicked the group’s sole ticket after a lone goal victory over the Super Eagles last March in Alexandria. 

Tanzania sits at the bottom with just a point from four games.