Tanzania has officially disclosed the roster of 25 players set to represent the nation in the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Coach Adel Amrouche, facing the arduous task of narrowing down from the initial 55-player preselection, has finalized his squad for the prestigious tournament scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast. Notably absent from the list is star striker Mbwana Samatta, a surprising omission that has stirred discussions within football circles.
The Tanzanian team finds itself placed in Group F, where they will contend with formidable opponents including Morocco, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The finalized squad of 23 Tanzanian players selected for the Africa Cup of Nations is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
1. Kwesi Kawawa
2. Beno Kakolanya
3. Aishi Manula
Defenders:
1. Israel Mwenda
2. Mohamed Hussein
3. Bakari Mwamnyeto
4. Dickson Job
5. Nickson Kibabage
6. Lusajo Mwaikenda
7. Adam Kasa
8. Zion Chebe Nditi
9. Mark John
10. Miano Danilo
Midfield:
1. Yusuf Kagoma
2. Mzamiru Yassin
3. Sospeter Bajana
4. Adolf Bitegeko
5. Roberto Yohana
6. Edwin Balua
7. Said Hamis
8. Tarryn Allarakhia
Forwards:
1. Kibu Dennis
2. Abdul Suleiman
3. Ladaki Chasambi
4. Simon Msuva
The exclusion of Mbwana Samatta, the prolific PAOK Salonika striker, from the final list has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation. As Tanzania gears up for its third appearance in the African Cup of Nations, the nation eagerly anticipates how the selected squad, under Coach Adel Amrouche’s guidance, will fare in the challenging Group F encounters.
The upcoming tournament promises to showcase the prowess of Tanzanian football on the continental stage, with fans eagerly awaiting the performances of the chosen 23 players who will carry the hopes of the nation in Ivory Coast.
Kikosi cha Tanzania Bara (Kilimanjaro Stars) kinachoingia kambini Desemba 25, 2023 kwa mchezo dhidi ya Zanzibar Heroes @TaifaStars_ @CAF_Online pic.twitter.com/JaUrW5FI9L
— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) December 24, 2023
