Tanzania’s Taifa Stars head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) determined to rewrite their tournament narrative as they return to Africa’s biggest football stage with renewed belief and balance, Nigeriasoccernet.com reviews.
The East African nation is no stranger to the AFCON spotlight. Tanzania made their tournament debut in 1980 and have since qualified for the tournament five times; however, progress beyond the group stage has remained elusive, with three group-stage exits recorded in their AFCON history.
Drawn in a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Uganda, the Taifa Stars once again face familiar hurdles. Nigeria and Tunisia have historically proven difficult opponents, while regional rivals Uganda add another layer of intensity. The lingering question, however, is whether AFCON 2025 could finally mark Tanzania’s breakthrough moment.
Experience Meets Youth
At the heart of Tanzania’s hopes is Mbwana Samatta, the team’s standout star and most experienced campaigner. The 32-year-old forward, currently with Le Havre in France, brings a wealth of experience from spells with Simba SC, TP Mazembe, Aston Villa, and several clubs in Turkey. His leadership and pedigree are expected to be central to Tanzania’s ambitions.
Samatta is supported by other seasoned internationals, including Simon Msuva, now plying his trade in Iraq, and England-based defender Haji Mnoga of Salford City, adding steel and experience to the backline.
The squad also features a strong core of domestic-based players who impressed at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Tanzania reached the quarter-finals, eventually bowing out to champions Morocco. That run showcased the growing depth and resilience of Tanzania’s local talent.
Tournament Outlook
Tanzania entered the tournament ranked 112th in the FIFA rankings, a position that reflects both the challenges ahead and the opportunity to surprise stronger opposition.
The Taifa Stars will open their AFCON campaign against Nigeria on 23 December, before taking on Uganda on 27 December and wrapping up the group phase against Tunisia on 30 December
Prediction While expectations remain measured, Tanzania is tipped to exit at the group stage, albeit with a strong and competitive showing that could signal progress and lay the foundation for future tournaments.
Tanzania’s Final 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, Azerbaijan) Wilson Nnang (Simba SC) Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey) Kelvin Nashon (Tanda Jiji) Pascal Msindo (Azam FC) Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England) Dickson Job (Young Africans)
Midfielders / Forwards: Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans) Habibu Iddi (Singida BS) Tarryn Allouche (Rochdale AFC, England) Charles Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta) Morice Abraham (Simba SC) Feisal Salum (Azam FC) Ahmed Pipino (Azam FC) Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC) Iddi Selemani (Azam FC) Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre, France) Elias Maguli (Azam FC) Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark) Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)
Coach: Miguel Gamondi
Uche Dozie