Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, is set for one of its most crucial fixtures in the journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
Head coach Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ has expressed strong confidence that his side has what it takes to deliver a positive result when they face Niger on September 9 at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Speaking to reporters, Morocco stressed that despite the team’s recent setback in Congo Brazzaville, where Stars were held to a 1–1 draw, the squad remains firmly in contention to qualify.
The stalemate away from home meant that Congo Brazzaville’s Red Devils secured their ticket to the World Cup, while Taifa Stars now shift focus to the crucial home encounter against Niger.
Learning from Congo Brazzaville Draw
Reflecting on the draw, Morocco explained that the physical condition of his players was not at its peak due to the demanding schedule of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), which ended just weeks ago.
Many of his key players had returned to domestic duty and needed time to recover, which affected performance levels in Brazzaville.
“After CHAN, most of our players were fatigued and not yet fully sharp. That’s why we struggled to impose our rhythm against Congo. But now, after some rest and recovery, I believe the squad will be much fitter and ready for the Niger clash. We want to make our fans proud at home,” Morocco said.
Stars Fighting Spirit
Despite the fatigue, Taifa Stars demonstrated resilience in Brazzaville. Trailing 1–0 after Congo’s Dechan Moussavou struck in the 68th minute, the Tanzanians fought back strongly.
Substitute striker Seleman Mwalimu ‘Gomez’came off the bench in the 75th minute and just nine minutes later, in the 84th, found the equalizer.
The goal was created by young forward Clement Mzize, who delivered a precise assist that Gomez converted with composure.
That late equalizer not only salvaged a point for Tanzania but also lifted the morale of the team ahead of their upcoming encounter.
Morocco praised the fighting spirit of his squad, emphasizing that such character will be crucial in the qualifiers ahead.
Group E Standings and Morocco’s Qualification
While the draw was enough for Congo Brazzaville to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup after maintaining an impressive record of six straight wins and collecting a maximum 18 points, Taifa Stars remain second in Group E with 10 points.
Behind them, Zambia sits third on six points, level with Niger, who are fourth, while Congo trails at the bottom with just a single point.
Eritrea, who had initially been drawn into the group, withdrew from the qualifiers earlier in the campaign.
A Familiar Opponent in Niger
The clash against Niger rekindles fresh memories of their previous meeting in World Cup qualifiers. On November 18, 2023, Taifa Stars edged Niger 1–0, courtesy of a stunning strike from midfielder Charles M’Mombwa.
That victory remains a source of motivation for the squad and its fans, as it proved Stars can rise to the occasion in crucial fixtures.
Morocco is determined to see history repeat itself: “We know Niger is a tough side, but we have beaten them before and we can do it again.
The players are aware of what is at stake, and this is the time to show our strength, especially playing at home in Zanzibar.”
Stars’ Journey and Rising Hope
Under Morocco’s leadership, Taifa Stars have made significant progress in recent years.
The team impressed in CHAN 2024, where they reached the quarterfinals before bowing out with their heads held high.
That experience has helped many of the local-based players mature, giving the squad greater depth and confidence.
Now, with the eyes of the nation upon them, Taifa Stars must seize the moment.
A victory against Niger would not only consolidate their place in Group E but also keep alive the dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history.
As the countdown to September 9 continues, fans in Zanzibar and across Tanzania are expected to flock to the New Amaan Stadium, turning it into a fortress of noise and support.
The match promises to be a decisive moment in Taifa Stars’ quest for global recognition.
