Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has hailed the fighting spirit and tactical discipline of his Taifa Stars players, insisting they exceeded expectations despite falling to a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their AFCON 2025 Group C opener on Tuesday at the Fès Stadium.
Nigeria, runners-up at the last edition, started brightly and drew first blood in the 36th minute when centre-back Semi Ajayi powered a towering header into the net, converting a pinpoint cross from Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.
The goal marked Ajayi’s second international strike for the three-time African champions, underlining his growing importance at the heart of Nigeria’s defence.
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Tanzania responded with intent after the break and restored parity in the 50th minute through Kokola M’mombwa, who timed his run to perfection, beat the offside trap, and calmly slotted past Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The celebration, however, was short-lived.
Just two minutes later, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman produced a moment of individual brilliance, unleashing a sublime left-footed strike to fire Nigeria back in front in the 52nd minute and secure all three points for the West African giants.
Despite the setback, Gomandi cut a proud figure in his post-match press conference, stressing that his team came to compete — not to cower.
“The performance of my players was great, even though we committed the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal,” Gomandi told journalists.
“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team, how we applied the game tactically, how we tried to reduce the space, everything was great.”
He also dismissed suggestions that Tanzania came to sit deep and absorb pressure.
“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we would come here to pack the bus, which is not my philosophy,” he explained.
“My style is to convince the players that yes, you must defend — even more — but we need to attack and not respect the opponent too much.”
Tanzania’s bold approach caused Nigeria notable problems, with Victor Osimhen — now leading the line for Galatasaray at club level — having a goal ruled out by VAR for offside earlier in the second half, a sign of how stretched the Nigerian attack was forced to be by Gomandi’s compact but adventurous system.
The result leaves Nigeria top of Group C after matchday one, while Tanzania will look to build on their positive display when they return to action in their next fixture.
For Gomandi, the defeat carried lessons, but the performance delivered belief.
