Football

Taifa Stars ready to fly East African flag high in tough Afcon 2023 group

Tanzania's starting XI pose before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) against Kenya at the Stadium in Cairo on June 27, 2019. (Photo: Khaled Desouki/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Friday, January 12, 2024

Tanzania have been pooled in Group F alongside 2022 World Cup standout team Morocco, 2012 AFCON champions Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tanzania is gearing up to face the challenges of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in the Ivory Coast, proudly representing East Africa as the sole participant from the region.

Despite being considered underdogs, the Taifa Stars are set to revive historic rivalries, with the potential for surprising upsets.

Keep reading

Securing their Afcon qualification in a nail-biting fashion, Tanzania's football resilience over the past decade has been commendable. After a nearly four-decade hiatus, the investment in the sport has resulted in their second appearance (and third overall) in the last three editions.

Noteworthy victories against Uganda, coupled with draws against Niger and Algeria, propelled them to a second-place finish in Group F qualifiers.

Ranked 32nd in Africa and 121st globally, the Taifa Stars boast popular players, including Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie striker Simon Msuva, PAOK's forward Mbwana Samatta, and Shakhtar Donetsk defender Novatus Miroshi.

Under the guidance of former Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche, appointed as the new Tanzania National team coach in March 2023, the team aims to make a mark in the tournament.

Tanzania's defender Aggrey Morris (C) lays on the pitch during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C match against Algeria at the Al Salam Stadium in the Egyptian capital Cairo on July 1, 2019. (Photo: Javier Soriano/AFP)

Amrouche believes the tournament will give Tanzanian players more exposure on the global

“The players know this is a big tournament and the grandest occasion in Africa. It will give them significant exposure when they play against the prominent nations of African football. It is the greatest occasion, and it’s a good dream to play in the Afcon. I am happy for these players, and they deserve to be here,” said Amrouche as quoted on CAF online.

With only two previous Afcon appearances, the squad is ready to showcase their talent and determination.

They have been pooled in Group F alongside the 2022 World Cup standout team Morocco, 2012 Afcon champion Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Taifa Stars Squad:

Goalkeepers: Beno Kakolanya (Singida Fountain Gate), Kwesi Kawawa (IFK Haninge), Aishi Manula (Simba)

Defenders: Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job, Bakari Mwamnyeto (all Young Africans), Abdi Banda (Richards Bay/RSA), Miano Danilo (Telford United), Mohamed Hussein (Simba), Novatus Miroshi (Shakhtar Donetsk), Haji Mnoga (Aldershot Town), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam), Abdulmalik Zakaria (Namungo)

Midfielders: Kibu Dennis, Mzamiru Yassin (both Simba), Morice Abraham (Novi Sad), Tarryn Allarakhia (Wealdstone), Sospeter Bajana (Azam), Himid Mao (Talaea El Gaish), Mohammed Omar (Boreham Wood), Feisal Salum (Azam), Mudathir Yahya (Young Africans)

Forwards: Cyprian Kachwele (Azam), Charles M'Mombwa (Macarthur), Simon Msuva (JS Kabylie), Mbwana Samatta (PAOKE), Ben Starkie (Ilkeston Town).