TAIFA Stars head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has unveiled a 23-man squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers' ties against Congo Brazzaville and Niger.

With the Tanzania team sitting second in Group E, these matches are vital for their hopes of reaching the global tournament for the first time in their history.

Suleiman’s charges first take on Congo Brazzaville on September 5 and conclude the international window with a home game against Niger on September 9.

The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with 15 players retained from the  African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 squad that reached the showdown's quarterfinals.

However, there are some notable exclusions that have caught the attention of fans and analysts.

Among those left out are goalkeeper Aishi Manula, central defender Abdulrazack Hamza, midfielder Ahmed Pipino, and strikers Jammy Simba and Ibrahim Ahmada.

The omission of Danish-based striker Kelvin John, who has been in fine form with Aalborg BK, is particularly surprising.

Despite his strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, the former Serengeti Boys' skipper was not included in the Taifa Stars final list.

Another notable absence is Dennis Kibu, who had pulled out of the CHAN tournament for trials in the USA but has since been playing in pre-season games for Simba SC.

The squad list includes veteran forwards Mbwana Samatta, who plays for Le Havre AC in France, and Simon Msuva, who is based in Iraq with Al-Talaba SC.

The midfield will be bolstered by Novatus Dismas from Göztepe FC in Turkey and Charles M'Mombwa from Floriana FC in Malta.

Local clubs are well represented, with Young Africans SC and Azam FC contributing a significant number of players.

Tanzania's current position in Group E sees them with a good chance for qualification.

They are six points behind group leaders Morocco and hold a three-point advantage over third-placed Zambia at the halfway point.

The group winner will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the runner-up will have a second chance through the playoffs.


Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman (JKT Tanzania), Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS), and Antony Remy (Azam FC U-20)

Defenders: Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC), Wilson Nangu (JKT Tanzania), Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans SC), Pascal Msindo (Azam FC), Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans SC), and Dickson Job (Young Africans SC)

Midfielders: Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC), Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey), Yahya Zaid (Azam FC), Edmund John (Young Africans SC), Charles M'Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta), and Mudathir Yahya (Young Africans SC)

Forwards: Clement Mzize (Young Africans SC), Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre AC, France), Abdulhamis Suleiman (Azam FC), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba SC, Iraq), Iddi Selemani (Azam FC), Selemani Mwalimu (Simba SC)