Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has said his players surprised many observers with their performance against Nigeria, despite opening their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a narrow 2–1 defeat, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Taifa Stars were widely expected to adopt a cautious approach against the three-time African champions in their Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday.
Instead, Tanzania produced a disciplined, brave display that tested Nigeria throughout a competitive contest.
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman secured all three points for the Super Eagles, but Gomandi insisted his side earned respect for the manner in which they approached the game.
Speaking to journalists after the match, the Tanzanian coach said:
“The performance of my players was great even though we committed the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal.
“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team, how we applied the game in terms of the tactical issues, how we tried to reduce the space, everything was great.
“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we will come here to pack the bus which is not my philosophy.
“My style is to try to convince the players that they can defend, you must defend evem more, but we need to attack and not respect the opponent too much.”
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Nigeria’s quality tells, but Tanzania compete
Nigeria began the match on the front foot and almost took an early lead when Akor Adams’ header struck the crossbar.
Ademola Lookman also went close midway through the first half, before Victor Osimhen was denied by a combination of the goalkeeper and last-ditch defending.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute from a corner. Alex Iwobi’s delivery was met by Semi Ajayi, who powered a header into the net to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
Tanzania responded positively after the break. Nigeria briefly thought they had doubled their advantage when Osimhen scored, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review. Moments later, the Taifa Stars levelled the contest when Novatus Miroshi found Charles M’Mombwa, who finished calmly past Stanley Nwabali after beating the offside trap.
Parity did not last long. Nigeria reasserted their authority in the 52nd minute, with Iwobi again the architect as he set up Lookman, whose left-footed strike restored the Super Eagles’ lead.
Nigeria created further chances through Lookman, Iwobi and Osimhen, but Tanzania’s goalkeeper produced a series of impressive saves to keep the scoreline tight. The Super Eagles managed the closing stages efficiently to see out a hard-fought victory.
The result places Nigeria top of Group C alongside Tunisia, who beat Uganda 3–1 later on Tuesday. Tanzania will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Uganda, encouraged by a performance that suggested they are capable of competing at this level.