After not appearing at an Africa Cup of Nations for nearly 40 years when Tanzania reached AFCON 2019, The Taifa stars have now qualified for 3 of the last 4 editions, showing the progress football has made in the East African country.
Tanzania finished second in their qualification group, behind DR Congo and just 1 point ahead of Guinea. Wins home and away against Guinea were ultimately the difference for Tanzania. A late winner away against Guinea by midfielder Mudathir Yahya in matchday 2 got Tanzania off to a flying start. Tanzania secured their qualifcation in the final matchday at home in the reverse fixture against Guinea. A second half winner from veteran star Simon Msuva sparked huge celebrations at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania is a soccer mad country, as seen by the support the national team gets at home. Most of the squad play their club football domestically in the Tanzanian Premier League, with Dar es Salaam giant clubs Simba SC and Young Africans claiming quite a few national team players.
Now that the Taifa stars are slowly becoming regulars at the Africa Cup of Nations, the next step will be to reach the knockout rounds, something Tanzania have never done. With a strong mix of veterans and exciting youth, perhaps this is the year Tanzania takes that next step.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Miguel Gamondi
The Argentine Gamondi was a late appointment Tanzania head coach ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. This is Gamondi’s first national team head coaching role.
Players to Watch
Mbwana Samatta
Age: 32
Position: CF
Caps/Goals: 75/19
Club: Le Havre AC (France)
Samatta has had a distinguished club career in European football, and currently captains his country. This will be the strikers 3rd Africa Cup of Nations, having scored in the 2019 edition.
Novatus Miroshi
Age: 23
Position: DM/CB/LB
Caps/Goals: 30/3
Club: Göztepe SK (Turkiye)
Novatus Miroshi is one of the bright young stars for Tanzania. Already at 30 caps at just 23, Miroshi is a versatile player who can line up either in defense or midfield. Normally plays in a defensive midfield role for Tanzania.
Tanzania Schedule
December 23, 2025 vs. Nigeria – Fez
December 27, 2025 vs. Uganda – Rabat
December 30, 2025 vs. Tunisia – Rabat
Country Information
Did you know…
Tanzania’s national team is known as the Taifa Stars, which in Swahili means ‘Nation’s Stars’. Swahili is the most spoken language in Tanzania.
