AFCON 2025: Tarryn Allarakhia embraces second chance as Tanzania targets a new beginning

Tarryn Allarakhia will take his place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the conviction of a player who has fought his way back into contention.

The winger, once a National League regular in England, has completed a remarkable climb to his second continental tournament, arriving with greater maturity and a renewed sense of belonging in the Tanzania squad.

His journey has been anything but straightforward.

From modest performances on winter pitches with Wealdstone to standing under the floodlights in Cairo against Egypt, each milestone has reshaped his confidence.

His early experiences with Tanzania included a whirlwind debut, a humbling encounter with Achraf Hakimi, more than a year away from the national team and a triumphant return marked by a stunning goal.

Now, he believes he is stronger—physically and mentally—than at any point in his career.

Tanzania enters the tournament without the expectations placed on the continent’s long-time powerhouses.

Non-ANJ betting platforms currently list Egypt at 11/2, with Algeria and Senegal following at 6/1 and Nigeria at 9/1.

Tanzania, far lower on the list, arrives as underdogs. Allarakhia says he is not bothered by that status; instead, he sees opportunity in it.

His rise owes much to an unexpected twist in late 2023.

After Wealdstone’s Boxing Day win over Maidenhead, he assumed his season would continue quietly.

Less than two weeks later, he was on a flight to Egypt after then-national team boss Adel Amrouche received a glowing recommendation from Haji Mnoga.

Amrouche travelled to watch him in person—an encounter that convinced Allarakhia the opportunity was real.

He joined the camp and made his debut against Egypt, replacing Simon Msuva at halftime.

Standing across from Mohamed Salah and other stars, he fought nerves by reminding himself to play with freedom.

It was a steady performance that confirmed he belonged at this level, even if he left the pitch without the Salah shirt he had hoped to collect.

His AFCON debut soon followed in 2023, where Tanzania was in the early stages of rebuilding its identity.

Ten days after his first appearance, he started against Morocco.

There, facing Hakimi became a lesson in elite football.

Pressed relentlessly and worn down by the pace, he admitted feeling overwhelmed.

Tanzania lost 3–0, and he was benched for the next fixtures amid confusion following Amrouche’s suspension.

Still, the Taifa Stars managed draws against Zambia and DR Congo and departed with respect intact.

A friendly against Bulgaria in March 2024 was his final appearance before a long absence.

He says the gap helped him reset. When interim coach Hemed Morocco recalled him for a World Cup qualifier in October, he returned sharper—an improvement capped by his first international goal a month later, a precise strike into the top corner in Cairo.

New head coach Miguel Gamondi took notice.

On 9 December, he named Allarakhia in his AFCON squad, signalling confidence in the winger’s growth.

Allarakhia now steps into the tournament with a clearer sense of his role and ambitions.

His challenge will be substantial. Tanzania face Nigeria on 23 December in Fez, followed by Uganda and Tunisia in Rabat.

Allarakhia says such fixtures excite him, believing his speed and direct play can give the Taifa Stars valuable unpredictability.

He departs with the full backing of Rochdale, where he has contributed goals and assists in a National League campaign aimed at returning to the EFL.

The club encouraged him to embrace the chance to represent Tanzania, recognising the significance it holds for him.

For Allarakhia, Tanzania is more than a national team—it is part of his identity.

Though he grew up in East London, he speaks of the country with affection, recalling visits to family throughout his youth.

Wearing its colours remains a privilege he never expected to experience.

Now, as he prepares for his second Africa Cup of Nations, he carries the momentum of a revived international career and the belief that he can make an impact.

Tanzania will rely on his energy, creativity and resilience as they navigate a demanding group.

Allarakhia says he wants to give everything. Fans will be eager to see how far this renewed chapter can take him.