Africa-Press – Tanzania. Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, marking a major step in the Taifa Stars’ quest to reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time in history.
The list, released after weeks of assessment from an initial provisional squad, features a balanced mix of foreign-based talent and standout performers from the Tanzanian Premier League.
Players from local giants Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC dominate the selection as Gamondi sticks firmly to his philosophy of building a team rooted in homegrown quality.
Tough Group Awaits
Tanzania, making their fourth appearance at the continental showpiece, will compete in a challenging Group A alongside three-time champions Nigeria, North African powerhouse Tunisia, and fierce regional rivals Uganda.
The Taifa Stars begin their campaign against Nigeria on 23 December, followed by Uganda on 27 December, before wrapping up the group phase with a difficult test against Tunisia on 30 December.
Major Highlights: Samatta Returns, Msuva Included
The biggest talking point in Gamondi’s squad is the return of captain Mbwana Samatta, who is back in top form at French Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre.
His leadership and renewed confidence are expected to be vital to Tanzania’s ambitions.
Also included is experienced forward Simon Msuva, currently playing in Iraq, after being part of the provisional squad. His experience and goal-scoring ability offer added attacking depth.
Blend of Experience and Youth
Earlier, Gamondi emphasized his desire to create a “strong, well-balanced side” built heavily around locally based players who understand Tanzania’s football culture.
This is clearly reflected in the final list.
Standout domestic players such as Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman, and Mohammed Hussein all secured their places.
Rising stars Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas also earned call-ups, further showcasing Gamondi’s confidence in the next generation.
Key Overseas Inclusions
Among the foreign-based players, defender Haji Mnoga of England’s Salford City stands out.
His experience from the 2023 AFCON provides continuity for a defence that has shown improvement during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Tanzania recorded their highest-ever AFCON points tally in 2023 despite failing to progress, and Gamondi—who took over from Hemed Suleiman—has urged his players to “push to get results in every game” as they chase a historic knockout berth.
TANZANIA’S FINAL 28-MAN SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
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)
