The East African nation has only played in three AFCONs: 1980, 2019, and 2023. After qualifying for their debut campaign in 1980, Tanzania had to wait for 39 years before qualifying for another AFCON - the 2019 edition in Egypt.
In 2023, Tanzania failed to make it past the group stages after finishing fourth in their group that incorporated Morocco, D.R. Congo, and Zambia. Nicknamed the 'Taifa Stars', Tanzania lost their first game 3-0 against Morocco, drew 1-1 against Zambia, before drawing 0-0 against the Leopards of D.R. Congo.
Despite the outcome, the Taifa Stars achieved their highest-ever points total at an AFCON in 2023.
How did Tanzania qualify for AFCON 2025?
Under coach Suleiman Hemed, Tanzania sealed their qualification to Morocco from a tightly contested group that included D.R. Congo, Guinea, and Ethiopia.
Tanzania’s final group fixture, which confirmed their qualification, was against Guinea, which they won 1-0 courtesy of Simon Msuva’s decisive strike. The hard-earned win enabled the Taifa Stars to finish second behind D.R. Congo.
They garnered 10 points from three wins, one draw, and two defeats, while D.R. Congo claimed top spot with 12 points, amassed from four wins, zero draws, and two defeats.
When will Tanzania play at AFCON?
Under new coach Miguel Gamondi, who came in to replace the fired Hemed, Tanzania have been drawn in Group C that comprise power house Nigeria, neighbours Uganda, and Tunisia.
Tanzania will kick off their campaign in Morocco against the Super Eagles on December 23rd, take on Uganda on December 27th, before winding up their preliminary group matches against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 30th.
The Taifa Stars' first match against Nigeria will be played at Fez Stadium, while their matchday two against will be staged at Al Medina Stadium. Their final group fixture against Tunisia will be played at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah in Rabat.
How can I watch Tanzania’s AFCON fixtures?
South African-based pay TV channel SuperSport will broadcast the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 across English- and Portuguese-speaking Sub-Saharan African territories, and will also broadcast in selected local languages, including Pidgin, Swahili, isiZulu, and Setswana.
According to a statement published on SuperSport's website, the audiences will be able to watch all the action from AFCON on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, bringing the best of African football to millions across the continent.
Tanzania's key players
Experienced striker Mbwana Samatta, who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Le Havre, will spearhead the team in Morocco, alongside veteran forward Simon Msuva of Iraq Stars League club Al-Talaba SC.
Defender Haji Ali Mnoga, who features for EFL League Two side Salford City, will lead the backline. Mnoga was eligible to represent both England and Tanzania at international level, but he opted to represent the African side.
Whitecaps FC 2's (from MLS Next Pro) defender Cyprian Thobias Kachwele is another player Gamondi will bank on for positive results. Kachwele earned his first call-up to the Taifa Stars in 2024, for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in 2024).
Another key player for Tanzania is defender Mohamed Hussein of Mainland champions Young Africans, whose consistent presence at left-back provides stability in the backline.
What has coach Miguel Gamondi said?
Ahead of the team’s departure to Egypt, where they have pitched camp, Gamondi said his vision in Morocco was to deliver ‘something special’ for the Tanzanian people.
"We want to do something important for the image of Tanzanian football and for the dedication shown by the players and the nation. This is a big, big competition, but nothing is impossible. We need to dream and believe," said the Argentine coach.
"December is when our AFCON project truly begins, and we’ll use that period to refine the squad and build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
"We’ve created a blend, youth learning from experience, and experience refreshed by youthful energy, and this camp is a laboratory for learning, not just for players but for everyone involved."
On getting the opportunity to lead Tanzania at AFCON, Gamondi said: "I’m honoured to represent Tanzania and the badge means more than a symbol - it represents the trust of millions. This country has become a part of my heart."
Tanzania captain Shomari Kapombe said on their preparations: "Training has been intense but exciting, and we’re adapting well to the new technical bench, learning every day, and preparing to give our best."
Tanzania’s final 28-man AFCON squad:
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: Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Habibu Iddi (Singida BS), Tarrryn 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).
Forwards: Mbwana, Samatta (Le Havre, France), Elias Maguli (Azam FC / Ufaransa), Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq).
