Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi has named a final 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, placing responsibility on a group built around consistency from the domestic league and leadership from trusted senior players.
The Taifa Stars, who are Uganda’s Group C counterparts for the tournament, target a first-ever knockout appearance after collecting their highest points tally in 2023.
Gamondi said earlier he wanted a strong and balanced group that reflects the competitive identity of Tanzanian football. His final list follows that plan with key roles going to players from Simba, Young Africans and Azam.
Captain Mbwana Samatta returns after a strong run of form at Le Havre in France. His movement in front of goal, hold-up play and work rate remain central to the team’s approach.
Simon Msuva also returns and gives Gamondi a second source of goals in tight matches. The coach said the two forwards bring experience and a level of maturity that younger players will follow.
The squad features several regulars from the Tanzanian Premier League. Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo and Mohammed Hussein all keep their places after reliable league campaigns.
Gamondi has added Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas to increase competition for places in defence.
Haji Mnoga returns from Salford City with experience from the 2023 tournament, his presence expected to support a backline that struggled at the last edition but showed progress in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Taifa Stars have made four AFCON appearances but have never advanced. The target this time round is for this group to change that record.
Tanzania face Nigeria on December 23, Uganda on December 27 and Tunisia on December 30.
Tanzania 28-man AFCON squad:
Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman, Hussein Masalanga, Zuberi Foba
Defenders: Bakari Mwamnyeto, Shomari Kapombe, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Mohamed Hussein, Nickson Kibabage, Alphonse Mkabule, Wilson Nnang, Novatus Dismas, Kelvin Nashon, Pascal Msindo, Haji Mnoga, Dickson Job
Midfielders/Forwards: Ibrahim Abdulla, Habibu Iddi, Tarrryn Allouche, Charles Mombwa, Morice Abraham, Feisal Salum, Ahmed Pipino, Abdul Suleiman, Iddi Selemani, Mbwana Samatta, Elias Maguli, Shomari Lawi, Simon Msuva
