Football: What are Tanzania's ambitions for 2025 AFCON?
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Can the Taifa Stars defy the Group C odds in Morocco?
Tanzania will be making their second consecutive appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations this year and their fourth of all time. They debuted in the competition in 1980 and had to wait 39 years before returning to Africa’s biggest stage in 2019.
The Taifa Stars have had limited success in previous editions and failed to get beyond the group stage in the last competition in the Ivory Coast. They are widely considered one of the biggest outsiders for the title, and we will be covering their progress throughout the tournament in our AFCON 2025 predictions.
It has not been the lead-up to the tournament that the team would have wanted, though, having parted ways with now-former head coach Hemed Suleiman just weeks before the competition, with Argentine tactician Pablo Gamondi stepping in on an interim basis.
Drawn into Group C, which features regional rivals Uganda, North African powerhouse Tunisia, and three-time African champions Nigeria, Tanzania face a daunting prospect in trying to reach the knockout stage. All of the Taifa Stars' matches will be available to follow in real-time via our AFCON 2025 livescores.
Over the years, four points have proven to be the magical number needed for teams to get through the group stage. The Taifa Stars’ best chance of securing a victory is likely to be against Uganda, whom they beat during qualifying for the tournament back in March 2023.
Despite the task at hand, there is a sense of optimism across the nation for the continental showpiece. Although their World Cup qualifying campaign proved difficult, the team gained crucial experience and showed they have the ability to contain stronger sides.
As Tanzania prepare for AFCON 2025, they carry the hopes of millions who believe a major milestone is finally within reach. With determination, teamwork, and their unmistakable flair, the long-awaited goal of reaching the knockout stages may at last become reality in Morocco this year.
Gamondi announces final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
In midweek, Miguel Gamondi announced his final list of 28 players who will travel to Morocco for AFCON 2025. The Argentine has called in several key overseas-based players to add to the core of the team that features big names from Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC.
The headline inclusion is that of Mbwana Samatta, who returns to lead the side from Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre. Veteran attacker Simon Msuva and Salford City’s Haji Ali Mnoga also bring valuable experience to add to the Taifa Stars’ ranks.
Gamondi explained after revealing his squad selection that his priority was to put together a “strong, well-balanced side” capable of competing with Africa’s best. He also emphasised that he has relied heavily on locally based players who understand Tanzanian football’s identity.
Tanzania’s 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC), Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS), Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)
Defenders: Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC), Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans), Nickson Kibabage (Simba SC), Alphonse Mkabule (Shamakhi), Wilson Nnang (Simba SC), Novatus Dismas (Goztepe FC), Kelvin Nashon (Tanda Jiji), Pascal Msindo (Azam FC), Haji Mnoga (Salford City), Dickson Job (Young Africans)
Midfielders / Forwards: Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Habibu Iddi (Singida BS), Tarrryn Allouche (Rochdale AFC), Charles Mombwa (Floriana FC), Morice Abraham (Simba SC), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Ahmed Pipino (Azam FC), Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC), Iddi Selemani (Azam FC), Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre), Elias Maguli (Azam FC / Ufaransa), Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba)
