Samatta to Spearhead Taifa Stars 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025
The Taifa Stars have officially unveiled their final 28-man squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament.
Head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi has selected a roster that thoughtfully blends essential international experience with a robust core of talent developed in the domestic league. The primary ambition for this squad is to achieve the unprecedented goal of securing Tanzania’s first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of the competition.
The most significant inclusion in the squad announcement is the return of veteran captain and striker Mbwana Samatta. The 33-year-old, who currently plays for Le Havre AC in the French Ligue 1, will be expected to lead the attack and provide the experience gained from his years at the highest level of European football. Samatta is one of several key overseas-based professionals selected, including the experienced forward Simon Msuva who features for Al-Talaba SC in Iraq, defender Haji Mnoga from England’s Salford City, midfielder Novatus Dismas of Turkish club Göztepe SK, and the English-based midfielder Tarryn Allarakhia from Rochdale AFC.
The majority of the team’s depth and strength is derived from the competitive Tanzanian Premier League. The squad features pivotal players from the nation’s footballing giants: Young Africans SC (Yanga), Simba SC, and Azam FC. This domestic contingent includes key figures such as the reliable defender Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans) and the midfield creative force Feisal Salum (Azam FC). The selection also balances this experience with youthful promise, highlighted by the inclusion of the uncapped forward Kelvin Nashon (Pamba Jiji) and the talented winger Kelvin John from AaB Fodbold in Denmark.
Squad Breakdown and Key Players by Position
Coach Gamondi’s final roster aims for a strong collective effort driven by a mix of veteran presence and energetic youth:
Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC), Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars), and Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)Defenders
Key defensive options include the locally-based trio of Mohamed Hussein, Ibrahim Abdallah, and Dickson Job (all Young Africans SC), alongside the experienced Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), the overseas defender Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), and Pascal Msindo (Azam FC).
Midfielders
The engine room features the overseas-based players Novatus Dismas and Tarryn Allarakhia, complemented by domestic stars like Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Morice Abraham (Simba SC), and Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC).
Forwards
The attack is spearheaded by Captain Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre, France) and veteran Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba SC, Iraq), with support from Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC), Kibu Denis (Simba SC), and Kelvin John (AaB Fodbold, Denmark).
Tanzania’s Group C Fixtures and Venues
Tanzania, making their fourth appearance at the continental finals, are in Group C alongside three-time champions Nigeria, former winners Tunisia, and East African rivals Uganda.
The Taifa Stars will open their campaign on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, against African powerhouse Nigeria. This crucial first match is scheduled to be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in the city of Fès.
Game day 2 pits Tanzania against their regional rival Uganda on Saturday, December 27, 2025. This East African derby is set to take place at the Stade El Barid in Rabat.
Finally, Tanzania will conclude their group stage fixtures against the historically strong Tunisia on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The game will be held at the Stade Annexe Olympique Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah.
