THE Tanzania men’s national football team, Taifa Stars, is banking on the invaluable experience of four returning stalwarts as they embark on their fourth-ever African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.

Coach Miguel Gamondi’s 28-player selection for the 2025 finals sees captain Mbwana Samatta, Feisal Salum, Simon Msuva, and Mohamed Hussein return to the continental stage for an impressive third time, having featured in both the 2019 and 2023 tournaments.

The quartet's collective wisdom will be crucial as the Taifa Stars prepare to navigate a demanding Group C assignment , featuring West African giants Nigeria, North African tactical masters Tunisia, and regional rivals Uganda.

 Leading the charge is captain Samatta (pictured), arguably Tanzania’s greatest-ever player, who brings top-tier European experience from French Ligue 1 side Le Havre. His leadership and experience remain central to Tanzania’s ambitions. 

 Joining him is Msuva, the versatile forward currently starring for Al-Talaba SC in Iraq, whose goals have long made him a dependable force for the national side. In midfield, Feisal “Fei Toto” Salum brings creativity. Now with Azam FC, Salum has evolved into one of the most influential players on the domestic scene. 

 Completing the quartet is Mohamed Hussein of Young Africans, a consistent presence at left-back whose experience provides stability in the backline. Their deep understanding of the national team’s system and the pressures of AFCON will be indispensable against the formidable opposition.

 Taifa Stars have already departed for a 10-day training camp in Cairo, including a series of friendlies, before flying to Morocco. Their Group C fixtures kick off on December 23 against three-time champions Nigeria, followed by matches against Uganda on December 27 and Tunisia on December 30. For a side looking to advance past the group stage for the first time in history, the third-time experience of their core four players will be their most potent weapon.