Tanzania reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in extraordinary fashion, with coach Hemed Suleiman transforming a team once dismissed as outsiders into one of the continent’s most inspiring success stories.
Few anticipated such a run. Historically, the Taifa Stars have often struggled to make an impression on the African stage, but this time they overturned expectations with a disciplined and fearless campaign.
Playing at home in a fiercely competitive group, Suleiman’s side demonstrated resilience, tactical intelligence and unity to secure qualification as Group B winners — a historic achievement that silenced their critics.
Building from the ground up
When Suleiman took charge, the national team was in disarray. With limited resources and no established stars to rely on, he embarked on a painstaking rebuilding process. His philosophy was grounded in collective strength rather than individual brilliance.
He instilled discipline, patience and belief in his players, convincing them that they could compete against established African footballing powers. “No one believed we would get out of the group, except me,” he declared after qualification. His faith proved well-founded, with the Taifa Stars embracing his tactical framework and executing it with remarkable determination.
Suleiman’s work extended far beyond tactics. He viewed his mission as one of reconstruction, piecing the team together “stone by stone.” His long-term vision, focused on resilience and development, has now been validated on one of Africa’s biggest stages.
Rising stars of the Taifa Stars
The team’s breakthrough has been driven by emerging talents who seized their moment on the international stage. Among them, striker Mzize Francis has been one of the standout figures.
Once overlooked in local football, Francis flourished under Suleiman’s unwavering support. He credits the coach not only for his career revival but also for his personal growth, describing him as a “father figure.”
Goalkeeper Yakoub has been another revelation. Selected ahead of more seasoned options, he justified Suleiman’s bold choice by delivering a flawless group-stage campaign, keeping clean sheets throughout and producing decisive saves at crucial moments. Goalkeeping coach Osama Hamdan expressed little surprise, insisting, “He has the qualities of a great and he has proven it.”
These personal stories reflect the wider ethos of the squad — a collection of underestimated players who have risen to prominence and, in the process, captured the imagination of a nation.
A turning point for Tanzanian football
The CHAN success is part of a broader transformation in Tanzanian football. The Taifa Stars recently secured qualification for a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a feat never achieved before, and remain firmly in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
For Suleiman, these results are proof of progress rather than an endpoint. He insists that football is a long-term project, one that requires patience and commitment.
The renewed enthusiasm of Tanzanian supporters is testament to the impact of his work. Once skeptical, fans now fill stadiums, rallying passionately behind their national team and believing in possibilities once thought out of reach.
The Morocco challenge
Despite their success, the road ahead remains daunting. Tanzania face Morocco — two-time defending champions — in the CHAN quarter-finals. On paper, the challenge is formidable. Yet the Taifa Stars approach the contest with confidence and belief. “We respect Morocco, but we’re not afraid,” Suleiman affirmed ahead of the showdown.
The atmosphere at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is expected to be electric, with supporters determined to drive their team forward. For Tanzania, the clash against Morocco represents more than a football match; it is an opportunity to test how far they have come and to showcase the resilience that has defined their journey.
Whatever the outcome, Suleiman and his Taifa Stars have already carved out a historic chapter for Tanzanian football, one that signals a new era of ambition and hope.
