Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, are fully prepared and in good health ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match against Ethiopia on September 4. Interim head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has assured fans that the team is in top shape as they gear up for the Group H clash, which will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
With high stakes surrounding the opening fixture of the AFCON qualifiers, Coach Suleiman expressed confidence in the team’s fitness and readiness.
“According to our medical staff, all players are in good condition and are adapting well to our training regimen,” Suleiman said, emphasizing the cohesion and experience within the squad.
“This isn’t new for us; our players are familiar with our approach, as some have participated in previous AFCON tournaments while others are pushing for their first appearance.”
The Taifa Stars have been hard at work in training since Thursday, refining tactics and building momentum for their campaign to secure a spot at the 2025 tournament, set to be held in Morocco.
Suleiman is optimistic that his methods will help shape a competitive team capable of overcoming Ethiopia in their opening encounter.
“I am optimistic that under our methods, we can create a strong team. We have been making steady progress,” he remarked.
The coach also made a rallying call to Tanzanian football supporters, urging them to show up in large numbers at the stadium to back their national team.
“Recognizing the significance of this match, we urge fans to come out in large numbers to support the team,” Suleiman said.
The presence of passionate fans is seen as an essential factor in driving the Taifa Stars to success in the qualifiers.
After facing Ethiopia, Tanzania will continue their campaign against Guinea on September 10 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
The road ahead is challenging, but Suleiman’s confidence in his team remains strong.
Notably, the Taifa Stars squad for the qualifiers consists primarily of locally-based players.
This decision by Suleiman highlights his faith in the domestic talent pool.
However, two prominent names, Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva, are absent from the team. Samatta,
the national team’s captain and leading striker, is recovering from injury, while Msuva is finalizing a club move.
Despite their absence, Suleiman remains assured of the depth and quality in his squad.
One significant return to the team is defender Dickson Job, who was previously dropped during the World Cup qualifiers against Zambia.
Job has been reinstated to the 23-man squad and is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s backline in the upcoming matches.
As the Taifa Stars prepare for their AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia, the team’s cohesion, fitness, and strategic preparations under Suleiman’s leadership have instilled a sense of optimism.
The support of the fans, alongside the collective determination of the players, will be critical as Tanzania seeks to make a positive start on the road to AFCON 2025.
