Taifa Stars midfielder Fei Toto relishing Harambee Stars-Tanzania rivalry at 2027 AFCON

With one year to go until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania midfielder Feisal 'Fei Toto' Salum has admitted that a potential meeting with neighbours Kenya would be one of the standout occasions of the tournament, describing it as a "true brotherly battle".

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Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will make history in 2027 when they jointly host Africa's biggest football spectacle, bringing the competition to East Africa for the first time.

While Salum highlights the strong bonds that unite the region, the Taifa Stars playmaker acknowledged that football rivalry remains an integral part of the relationship between Tanzania and Kenya.

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"It's a bit of both," Salum said when asked whether he feels a special rivalry with Kenya. "We have always been neighbours, and there is a strong bond, especially with Kenya. This unity gives us strength and brings support from governments and people across the region.

"But on the pitch, let's not hide it – the rivalry is real. There is great competition between our nations. If we face Kenya, it will be a huge occasion, a true brotherly battle."

The Azam FC midfielder stressed that the rivalry is built on mutual respect and shared passion for the game rather than hostility.

"It is a healthy rivalry, one that exists for the love of football and to give supporters a great spectacle," he added. "At the end of the day, we want the whole world to see the beauty of East African football. We will proudly represent our colours with the support of an entire people behind us."

As one of Tanzania's key figures, Salum believes the opportunity to play AFCON on home soil presents both a challenge and a source of motivation for the Taifa Stars. Hosting a tournament of such magnitude inevitably brings heightened expectations, but the midfielder is determined to embrace the occasion rather than be burdened by it.

"We understand that hosting a tournament of this magnitude naturally comes with enormous pressure," he tells CAF Online.

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"But our approach is to turn pressure into enjoyment. We must use the passion and support around us to push ourselves beyond our limits, go as far as possible, reach the semi-finals and, why not, dream of lifting the trophy."

Salum's ambitions reflect the growing confidence within East African football as the region prepares to welcome the continent's elite teams and supporters. Beyond the action on the pitch, the 27-year-old sees AFCON 2027 as an opportunity to showcase the culture, hospitality and unity that define the three host nations.

"AFCON is the pinnacle of football on the continent," Salum continues. "By opening our doors to Africa, we want to tell our story and share our culture and hospitality.

"This is a unique opportunity for all of us to celebrate together. That is why I encourage our supporters and fans from across the region to come out in large numbers.

Not only for the matches, but even for the training sessions. Create a festive atmosphere and show the world our joy and unity."

With the countdown to PAMOJA 2027 now entering its final year, Salum's message remains clear: East Africa is ready to host, ready to compete, and ready to show the continent what makes its football culture unique.