In a significant step towards the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania’s national football coach, Miguel Gamondi, has announced his final 28-man squad, confirming the players who will represent the Taifa Stars in Morocco. With aspirations to advance beyond the group stages for the first time in history, this squad is a mix of seasoned veterans and promising local talents.
The announcement, which follows an earlier provisional list, showcases a blend of pivotal overseas-based players alongside a robust foundation from top Tanzanian clubs, including Simba SC, Young Africans, and Azam FC. This strategic selection reflects Coach Gamondi’s commitment to fostering a strong team spirit rooted in the identity of Tanzanian football.
Star Players and Rising Talents
At the heart of the squad is captain Mbwana Samatta, who returns to lead the team after a stellar resurgence at French Ligue 1 club Le Havre. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Tanzania embarks on this challenging journey. Also making waves is experienced forward Simon Msuva, now competing in Iraq, who has proven instrumental in the team’s efforts during the qualification rounds.
Gamondi emphasized his priority to create a “strong, well-balanced side” capable of holding its own against Africa’s best. This philosophy is evident in the selection, with standout players like Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman, and Mohammed Hussein retained from the Tanzanian Premier League. Additionally, young talents such as Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas have earned their places, indicating a bright future for the national team.
Defensive Reinforcements and Key Overseas Players
The squad also includes defender Haji Mnoga, who plays for Salford City in England and boasts valuable experience from the last AFCON. His role in the defense will be vital, especially since the backline struggled in the previous tournament but showed improvement during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Tanzania’s last AFCON campaign in 2023 yielded their highest-ever points total, despite an early exit. Coach Gamondi has urged his players to “push to get results in every game,” setting the stage for an ambitious drive to secure a historic knockout-stage appearance this time around.
Group Stage Challenges Ahead
The Taifa Stars have been drawn into a formidable Group A, facing the likes of Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Uganda. The opening match against Nigeria on December 23 will be critical, followed by a clash with Uganda on December 27 and concluding the group stage against Tunisia on December 30.
As Tanzania prepares for this crucial tournament, fans are hopeful that the combination of experienced leaders and emerging young talents will pave the way for a memorable AFCON campaign.
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, 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)
– 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)
– Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre, France)
– Elias Maguli (Azam FC / Ufaransa)
– Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark)
– Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)
Coach: Miguel Gamondi
With anticipation building among fans and stakeholders, Tanzania’s journey in the AFCON promises to be an exciting chapter for the Taifa Stars.
