Niger stun Tanzania to claim first-ever victory over Taifa Stars in World Cup qualifying

Niger made history on Tuesday afternoon as they secured their first-ever win over Tanzania, edging the Taifa Stars 1-0 in a tightly contested 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amani Stadium in Zanzibar City.

The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides intent on taking control. Tanzania and Niger traded early chances within the opening 10 minutes, to the delight of the lively home crowd.

Possession was evenly shared, and the game quickly developed into a battle of attacking intent versus defensive discipline.

Midway through the first half, Niger began to impose themselves more confidently in possession, stringing together sharp passes as they probed Tanzania’s backline.

The hosts, however, were content to rely on quick counterattacks, hoping to exploit spaces left behind. Despite the high tempo, neither team could find the breakthrough, and the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

After the restart, Niger continued to grow into the game, pressing higher up the pitch and maintaining sustained pressure in the attacking third. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Daniel Sosah latched onto a loose ball and fired past the Tanzanian goalkeeper to hand Niger a precious lead.

Tanzania sought an immediate response but were frustrated by a resilient Niger defence. The visitors’ task was made more difficult in the 79th minute when Boureima Katakore was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Reduced to 10 men, Niger were forced to dig deep as the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Despite relentless Tanzanian pressure in the closing stages, Niger held firm to seal a landmark victory that means they sit on 9 points and can eclipse Tanzania for a playoff spot, with three points separating them.