Taifa Stars Gear Up Under New Coach Pablo Gamondi for Morocco Challenge.

Tanzania unveil squad for fourth AFCON appearance in Morocco

The Taifa Stars of Tanzania have kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations with the launch of a training camp in Egypt, marking a strategic and focused build-up ahead of the tournament in Morocco, Sportblits.com reports.

Under newly appointed Argentine coach Pablo Gamondi, the squad is honing physical conditioning, tactical strategies, and team cohesion in Egypt’s North African climate—conditions mirroring those expected in Morocco.

Tanzania will fly directly from the camp to face Group A opponents: Nigeria (December 23 in Fez), Uganda (December 27), and Tunisia (December 30).

“This early camp is crucial to acclimatise and arrive in peak condition—physically and mentally,” a team source emphasized.

AFCON 2025

Strategic North African Prep

The Egyptian base isn’t unique—Group C rivals Nigeria will also open their Super Eagles camp there on December 10, including a friendly against Egypt on December 14. Both nations are leveraging regional conditions for optimal readiness.

A Rare Stage for Tanzania

This marks Tanzania’s fourth AFCON appearance (1980, 2019, 2023)—a 39-year gap between their debut and return. Despite never advancing from the group stage, the Taifa Stars showed progress in 2023, earning their highest-ever points total.

New boss Gamondi, who succeeded Hemed Suleiman, has blended local grit with international flair:

  • Captain Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre, Ligue 1) leads the attack.
  • Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba SC, Iraq) adds veteran presence.
  • Haji Ali Mnoga (Salford City, EFL League Two)—a former England U17 rep who debuted for Tanzania in 2022—anchors defense after playing all three group games at AFCON 2023.

The squad also features a strong homegrown core:
Hussein Masalanga, Yakoub Suleiman, Yona Amosi, Zuberi Foba, Iddi Selemani, Ibrahim Abduallah, Dickson Job, Feisal Salum, Ahmed Pipino, and Abdul Suleiman.

With progress in sight and smart preparation underway, Tanzania aims to make history in Morocco—starting with a bold statement against the Super Eagles.