TAIFA Stars head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

The tactician has largely stuck with the core of the squad that featured in last month’s back-to-back qualifiers against Niger and Congo, opting for consistency as Tanzania looks to strengthen its bid in Group E.

Notably, Aalborg striker Kelvin John has once again been overlooked despite his fine form in Denmark. Veteran forwards Saimon Msuva and captain Mbwana Samatta have also been omitted from the squad, continuing the transition phase Morocco (pictured) is overseeing.

The call-up features a balance of 20 home-based and six foreign-based players. Unsurprisingly, the squad is heavily dominated by players from the country’s top clubs. Azam lead the way with seven representatives, Young Africans contribute six, Simba have five players, and Singida Black Stars provide two.

 Between the sticks, Azam’s in-form goalkeeper Zuberi Foba has earned his maiden call-up, joining Yakoub Suleiman (Simba) and Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars) in the goalkeeping department.

 The defensive line is anchored by experienced Young Africans’ duo Bakari Mwamnyeto and Dickson Job, alongside Salford City’s Haji Mnoga and Lithuania-based Miano Danilo. Local options such as Israel Mwenda (Young Africans) and Elias Lawi (Azam) also make the cut.

 Midfield reinforcements include returning figures Morrice Michael, Habib Idd, and Aziz Andambwile, with Young Africans youngster Offen Chikola receiving his first senior call-up. Novatus Dismas (Goztepe, Turkey), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale, England), and Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana, Malta) highlight the overseas contingent in the middle of the park.

 Up front, Suleiman has opted for youth, with Simba’s Suleiman Mwalimu and Azam’s Abdul Suleiman leading the attack.With Zambia posing a stern test, Morocco will be banking on the blend of local experience and foreign-based talent to deliver vital points as the Taifa Stars aim to keep their World Cup dream alive.

 Full Squad List:

 Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman (Simba), Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars), Zuberi Foba (Azam).

 Defenders: Israel Mwenda (Young Africans), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Elias Lawi (Azam), Wilson Nangu (Simba), Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), Dickson Job (Young Africans), Miano Danilo (FK Panevezys, Lithuania).

 Midfielders: Novatus Dismas (Goztepe, Turkey), Pascal Msindo (Azam), Offen Chikola (Young Africans), Aziz Andambwile (Young Africans), Yahya Zayd (Azam), Yusuph Kagoma (Simba), Habibu Idd (Singida Black Stars), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale, England), Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana, Malta), Feisal Salum (Azam), Morice Abraham (Simba), Edwin Balua (En Paralimniou, Cyprus).

 Forwards: Suleiman Mwalimu (Simba), Abdul Suleiman (Azam).