TANZANIA head coach Miguel Gamondi has announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as they seek to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
The squad is made up of mostly home-bases players from Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC, with France-based Mbwana Samatta the star name.
Tanzania, making their fourth appearance at the continental finals, have been drawn into a tough group alongside the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Tunisia and regional rivals Uganda.
The biggest headline is the presence of captain Samatta, who returns to lead the side after rediscovering his form with French Ligue 1 club Le Havre.
Experienced forward Simon Msuva, now playing in Iraq, is also included after featuring in the provisional squad.
Gamondi said when unveiling his preliminary list that his priority was to build a “strong, well-balanced side” capable of competing with Africa’s best, emphasising his intention to rely heavily on locally based players who understand Tanzanian football’s identity.
The final selection also reflects that philosophy. Several standout performers from the Tanzanian Premier League — including Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman and Mohammed Hussein — have been retained, while young talents such as Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas also make the squad.
Defender Haji Mnoga, who plays for Salford City in England, is among the most notable overseas-based inclusions.
His experience at the 2023 AFCON adds valuable continuity to a defence that struggled at the last edition but showed improvement during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Taifa Stars collected their highest-ever AFCON points tally in 2023 despite being eliminated at the group stage, and Gamondi, who replaced Hemed Suleiman earlier, has called on his side to “push to get results in every game” as they chase a historic knockout-stage appearance.
Tanzania open their AFCON campaign against the Super Eagles on December 23 before facing Uganda four days later and concluding the group phase against Tunisia on December 30.
TANZANIA’S 28-MAN 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 FC, 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 AFC, England)
Charles Mombwa (Floriana FC, 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 / Ufaransa)
Shomari Lawi (Aalborg BK, Denmark)
Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba, Iraq)