Simba, Yanga players dominate Tanzania's final 28-man AFCON squad

Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has confirmed his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, unveiling the group tasked with guiding the Taifa Stars beyond the group stage for the first time in history.

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The final list, trimmed from an earlier provisional squad, features a blend of key foreign-based players and a solid spine drawn from Simba SC, Young Africans (Yanga), and Azam FC, reflecting Gamondi’s preference to build around players familiar with Tanzanian football culture.

Tanzania, making their fourth AFCON appearance, will compete in Group A alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbours Uganda, setting up one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Headlining the squad is the return of captain Mbwana Samatta, who reclaims the armband after rediscovering his form with Ligue 1 side Le Havre, while experienced forward Simon Msuva also makes the final cut.

Defender Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England) is another key overseas inclusion, providing continuity after featuring at AFCON 2023.

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Tanzania achieved their highest-ever AFCON points tally in the last edition, and Gamondi, who replaced Hemed Suleiman, has challenged his side to “push for results in every game” as they chase a first-ever knockout qualification.

The Taifa Stars begin their campaign against Nigeria on Tuesday, 23 December, followed by Uganda on Saturday, 27 December and Tunisia on Tuesday, 30 December.

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Tanzania's final 28-man AFCON 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, 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, England), Charles Mombwa (Floriana, 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), Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)

Coach: Miguel Gamondi

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