AS co-hosts of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, alongside Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars are gearing up for their third appearance in the tournament, set to take place from August 2 to 30, 2025.

Head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman Ali (pictured), has announced a 27-man squad, blending seasoned local league players with emerging talents from the national Under-20 team, the Ngorongoro Heroes.

This squad, which will enter camp on July 7, aims to leverage home advantage at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the tournament’s opening match will be held, to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

 Squad Composition

The 27-man squad is a mix of experience and youth, with seven players from the U-20 Ngorongoro Heroes squad integrated into the senior team, signaling a focus on long-term development.

The squad is structured with three goalkeepers, ten defenders, nine midfielders, and five strikers, reflecting a balanced approach to both defensive solidity and attacking creativity. 

The inclusion of players from top Tanzanian Premier League clubs like Simba SC, Young Africans, and Azam FC underscores the growing quality of the domestic league, while contributions from less prominent clubs like JKT Tanzania and Coastal Union highlight the depth of talent across the country.

Goalkeeping: Experience Meets Potential

The goalkeeping department is led by Aishi Salum Manula of Simba SC, a veteran shot-stopper and the clear favorite to be the first-choice goalkeeper due to his extensive experience and reliability. Manula’s leadership and ability to make crucial saves will be pivotal, especially in high-pressure matches.

Yakoub Suleiman Ali of JKT Tanzania serves as a capable backup, having impressed in the 2025 COSAFA Cup against Madagascar, South Africa, and Lesotho. His recent performances suggest he could challenge for a starting spot if Manula falters.

Hussein Masalanga of Singida Black Stars is the third-choice goalkeeper but may struggle for game time due to limited minutes at his club. While the goalkeeping unit appears solid, Masalanga’s lack of regular play could be a concern if injuries or suspensions force a reshuffle.

Defense: A Blend of Chemistry and Youth

The defensive line is one of the squad’s strongest assets, featuring a robust mix of experienced center-backs and versatile fullbacks. The central defensive pairing of Ibrahim Hamad ‘Bacca’ and Dickson Job, both from Young Africans, is favored to start due to their established chemistry and experience. 

Their ability to read the game and maintain composure under pressure will be crucial against Group B opponents like Burkina Faso, known for their physicality.

Abdulrazak Mohamed of Simba and Wilson Nangu of JKT Tanzania provide reliable cover, while young prospects Vedastus Masinde (TMA Stars) and Lameck Lawi (Coastal Union) are likely included as part of a long-term development strategy rather than immediate starters.

At right-back, Shomari Kapombe of Simba is the first choice, bringing leadership and defensive nous, with Lusajo Mwaikenda of Azam FC as a dynamic deputy capable of contributing in attack. The omission of Young Africans’ Israel Mwenda is a surprise, given his recent form, but Kapombe’s experience likely tipped the scales.

On the left, Mohamed Hussein (Simba SC) and Pascal Msindo (Azam FC) offer versatility and attacking support, ensuring Tanzania can adapt to various tactical setups. The depth and quality in defense provide coach Morocco with flexibility, whether opting for a back four or a more compact three-man defense to counter Group B’s attacking threats.

Midfield: Creativity and Control

The midfield is a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, with nine players offering diverse skill sets. Defensive midfielders Mudathir Yahya (Young Africans) and Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC) provide stability, with Kagoma’s ability to break up opposition play and Yahya’s’s composure on the ball anchoring the team. Ahmed Pipino of KMC adds further depth.

In the attacking midfield roles, Feisal Salum of Azam FC stands out as a creative force, with his ability to score and create chances. Nassor Saadun and Iddi Suleiman ‘Nado,’ also from Azam FC, bring dynamism, while Kibu Dennis (Simba SC), Sabri Kondo (Coastal Union), and Shekhan Khamis (Young Africans) offer versatility and energy.

The inclusion of U-20 star Sabri Kondo, who was voted the best player at the 2024 CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, highlights the squad’s youthful ambition. 

This midfield unit has the potential to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, but their success will depend on maintaining balance against tactically disciplined teams like Mauritania.

Attack: A Potential Weak Link

The attacking department is perhaps the squad’s weakest area, with concerns over goal-scoring consistency. Clement Mzize of Young Africans is the standout striker, having scored 14 goals to lead the Jangwani Street-based side to their fourth consecutive Tanzanian Premier League title. His pace, clinical finishing, and interest from foreign clubs make him the focal point of Tanzania’s attack. 

However, the depth behind Mzize is concerning. Abdul Suleiman ‘Sopu’ of Azam FC is returning from a long injury layoff, which could affect his sharpness, while Ibrahim Hamad Hilika of Tabora United has struggled, with zero goal contributions in 11 league appearances this season.

Mishamo Michael of KenGold contributed five goals and two assists in 23 games, but his club’s relegation raises questions about his readiness for this level. Jammy Simba of KMC, another U-20 inclusion, has seen limited minutes since joining his club, making his selection a gamble.

If Mzize is unavailable or marked out of games, Tanzania’s lack of a reliable secondary scoring option could hinder their progress.

Tactical Outlook and Group B Prospects

Coach Morocco is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, leveraging the defensive solidity of Bacca and Job, the creativity of Salum and Kibu, and Mzize’s finishing. The inclusion of seven U-20 players, such as Kondo and Jammy Simba, reflects a bold strategy to blend youth with experience, aiming to build a team for the future while competing in the present.

In Group B, Tanzania faces a challenging but navigable path. Madagascar and Mauritania will test their defensive organization, while Burkina Faso’s physicality could expose the attacking frailties. The Central African Republic may be the group’s weakest link, offering Tanzania a chance to secure crucial points.

Recent performances, such as a 1-0 victory over Guinea in AFCON qualifiers, demonstrate Tanzania’s growing competitiveness. However, inability to progress beyond the CHAN group stage in previous tournaments (2009 and 2020) underscores the need for clinical finishing and tactical discipline. 

With home support at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where Taifa Stars will play their group matches, there is a golden opportunity to make history.

Coach Morocco’s challenge will be to maximize the home advantage and ensure the young players rise to the occasion. 

If Tanzania can address their attacking inconsistencies and maintain defensive solidity, they have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time, marking a significant step forward for Tanzanian football.