Tanzania name final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025 as Samatta & Msuva lead the Taifa Stars

Coach Miguel Gamondi has selected a balanced group made up of domestic mainstays and key overseas profiles as Tanzania targets a historic first progress beyond the group stage.

Squad built on domestic core, led by Samatta

Tanzania have confirmed a 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The selection blends the experience of overseas-based pros with a strong nucleus from the Tanzanian Premier League , notably players from Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC.

Captain Mbwana Samatta returns to lead the attack following a productive spell with Ligue 1 side Le Havre. His leadership and finishing will be crucial as the Taifa Stars confront a tough Group A that includes Nigeria, Tunisia and regional rivals Uganda.

Veteran presence and local talent

Seasoned striker Simon Msuva retains his place after featuring in the provisional squad, while coach Miguel Gamondi has kept faith with standouts from the domestic scene, Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman and Mohamed Hussein among them. Young prospects such as Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas also make the final list, reflecting a long-term development plan tied to immediate competitiveness.

Notable overseas inclusions include defender Haji Mnoga (Salford City), whose prior AFCON experience will add depth and calmness to the back line.

Coach Gamondi’s message

Gamondi stressed that his priority was to assemble a side with identity and balance: “We want a team that understands Tanzanian football and can compete with the best. This squad mixes local chemistry with experienced professionals, we will push for results in every match.”

Fixture list & challenge ahead

Tanzania open the group phase against Nigeria on 23 December, meet regional rivals Uganda on 27 December, and finish the group against Tunisia on 30 December. Gamondi’s side will aim to translate their domestic cohesion into results on the continental stage.