Dar es Salaam. Acting Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi will take charge of Taifa Stars for the first time this Saturday as the national team faces Kuwait in an international friendly match in Cairo, marking the beginning of a new technical direction ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
The encounter also carries historical significance, as it will be the first-ever meeting between Tanzania and Kuwait.
According to the FIFA World Rankings issued on 17 October 2025, Kuwait are placed 135th, while Tanzania sit in 107th position.
Speaking on the eve of the match, Gamondi emphasised that the purpose of the camp and the friendly is to lay the foundation for a new working structure, build mutual understanding with his players, and conduct an initial technical assessment before major competitive assignments resume.
“The main idea behind this camp and friendly match is introduction the players getting to know me, and me getting to know them,” said Gamondi.
“It also allows the federation to see how we operate. It is a valuable opportunity for me to assess several players. When we return in December, we shall conduct a comprehensive squad review, continue monitoring more players, and finalise the list for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Stars seeking revival after tough run
Taifa Stars enter the match with a challenging recent record.
The team is winless in their last five outings across all competitions, suffering four defeats and collecting just one draw.
Their recent results include: A 2–0 loss to Iran in a friendly, 1–0 defeats to Zambia and Niger in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a 1–0 loss to Morocco in a CHAN qualifier, and a draw against Congo, which remains their only point during that sequence.
This poor run has put the team under scrutiny, and Gamondi’s debut is being viewed as the first opportunity to inject new ideas, restore confidence, and rebuild competitive edge ahead of the continental showpiece.
Kuwait also searching for Form
Kuwait arrive in Cairo with a run of results similar to that of Tanzania.
They are also winless in their last five matches, having lost four and drawn one. Their most recent defeat came in a friendly against Morocco’s B team, where they were beaten 1–0.
Despite their current struggles, Kuwait have experienced stronger periods in global football.
Their highest-ever FIFA ranking was 24th in December 1998. Tanzania’s best ranking stands at 65th, achieved in February 1995.
A Crucial Platform for Rebuilding
For both nations, today’s match represents more than a simple warm-up fixture.
It is a chance to assess tactical options, test player combinations, and regain momentum after a challenging phase in international football.
For Gamondi, the match marks the beginning of a journey to establish a renewed identity for Taifa Stars, strengthen team chemistry, and identify the core group that will represent Tanzania at the AFCON finals.
His approach, decision-making, and early tactical impressions will be watched closely by fans, officials, and stakeholders eager for improvement.
With both sides desperate to rediscover form, the Cairo friendly promises to offer a competitive and revealing contest, as the two teams look to rebuild confidence and begin charting a more positive course for the months ahead.
