Tanzania’s head coach, Hamed Suleiman, has expressed confidence that his team, the Taifa Stars, will defy expectations at the upcoming 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Tanzania has been drawn into Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Uganda, a group many believe to be one of the toughest in the competition.
Suleiman, who is also known as “Morocco,” reassured Tanzanians that the team is prepared to overcome the challenges posed by these formidable opponents as they make their fourth appearance at the prestigious tournament later this year.
“There is no easy group in this competition,” he said, adding that his squad will train rigorously to perform at their best.
He also stressed that the Taifa Stars are among Africa’s strong teams and need to show their strength on the continental stage.
Suleiman’s optimism comes despite the historical advantage Nigeria holds over Tanzania.
The two nations have met three times in official competitions, with Nigeria winning two of those encounters with the other ending in a draw.
Their last meeting was in 1980, when Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in the AFCON group stage.
The win came before a crowd of 80,000 fans, with goals from Mudashiru Lawal, Ifeanyi Onyedika and Segun Odegbami.
They will face Nigeria in the opening match at the Fez Stadium in Morocco on December 23, 2025.
After the opening match, Nigeria will go on to play Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30, all at the same stadium.
The group-stage games are expected to be crucial as the teams aim to progress further in the prestigious tournament.
