Sports
Tanzania Unveils 28-Man AFCON 2025 Squad
Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi has announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, as the Taifa Stars aim to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
The squad combines key overseas-based players with a strong core from Simba SC, Young Africans, and Azam FC. Tanzania, making their fourth AFCON appearance, have been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Uganda.
Captain Mbwana Samatta returns to lead the side after regaining form with French Ligue 1 club Le Havre, while experienced forward Simon Msuva, now playing in Iraq, also makes the squad.
Gamondi emphasised the importance of building a “strong, well-balanced side” capable of competing with Africa’s best, relying heavily on locally based players who understand Tanzanian football’s identity. Several top performers from the Tanzanian Premier League, including Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman, and Mohammed Hussein retain their places, alongside emerging talents Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas.
Defender Haji Mnoga, playing for Salford City in England, is among the notable overseas inclusions, bringing valuable experience from the 2023 AFCON.
“Tanzania collected their highest-ever AFCON points tally in 2023 despite exiting at the group stage,” Gamondi said, calling on his team to “push to get results in every game” as they chase a historic knockout-stage appearance.
The Taifa Stars open their AFCON campaign against Nigeria on December 23, face Uganda on December 27, and conclude the group stage against Tunisia on December 30.
Tanzania Final 28-Man AFCON 2025 Squad:
Goalkeepers
Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC)
Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS)
Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)
Defenders
Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans)
Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC)
Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC)
Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans)
Nickson Kibabage (Simba SC)
Alphonse Mkabule (Shamakhi, Azerbaijan)
Wilson Nnang (Simba SC)
Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey)
Kelvin Nashon (Tanda Jiji)
Pascal Msindo (Azam FC)
Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England)
Dickson Job (Young Africans)
Midfielders / Forwards
Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans)
Habibu Iddi (Singida BS)
Tarrryn Allouche (Rochdale AFC, England)
Charles Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta)
Morice Abraham (Simba SC)
Feisal Salum (Azam FC)
Ahmed Pipino (Azam FC)
Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC)
Iddi Selemani (Azam FC)
Mbwana Samatta (Le Havre, France)
Elias Maguli (Azam FC / Ufaransa)
Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark)
Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)
Coach: Miguel Gamondi
