Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has voiced his frustration with the officiating following his side’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Taifa Stars were edged out 1-0 by hosts Morocco in their Round of 16 clash on Sunday, a result that sent the Atlas Lions through to the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, Gamondi insisted Tanzania did not travel to Morocco merely to sit back and defend, stressing that his team attempted to play on the front foot. He noted that both sides registered four shots in the game, underlining what he felt was a competitive performance.
The coach acknowledged Morocco’s territorial dominance, attributing it to the intense pressure of playing before a crowd of over 60,000 supporters. He described the atmosphere as a significant factor in how the match unfolded.
Gamondi admitted he was unhappy with certain refereeing decisions but declined to elaborate, saying any exchanges between himself and the match officials would remain private. He maintained that his post-match appearance was intended to focus on tactical analysis rather than officiating controversies, adding that disputed calls are part of the game.
Reflecting on Tanzania’s overall campaign, Gamondi highlighted the difficulty of their route through the tournament, having faced heavyweights such as Tunisia, Nigeria, Angola and Morocco. He conceded that Tanzanian football is still playing catch-up with Africa’s established powers.
Looking ahead, the coach revealed that Tanzania faces at least two years of sustained development to build a more competitive squad, particularly with the next AFCON set to be co-hosted on home soil alongside Kenya and Uganda.
He also revealed that he had warned his players about the consequences of errors against elite opponents like Morocco, especially in a high-pressure environment marked by passionate support and strict officiating.
