Tanzania’s Taifa Stars have intensified their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by pitching camp in Cairo, Egypt, a move strategically designed to help the team acclimatise to conditions similar to those expected in Morocco during the tournament.
The decision to camp in Egypt reflects head coach Miguel Gamondi’s focus on tactical discipline, physical conditioning and mental readiness, as the team prepares to face a highly competitive Group C featuring Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda.
Egypt offers climate patterns, altitude and football intensity comparable to Morocco, making it an ideal location for the Taifa Stars to adapt ahead of their opening match scheduled for 23 December in Fez.
The squad named by Gamondi features a blend of experienced international players and rising domestic talents, creating a balanced team capable of competing against some of Africa’s strongest footballing nations.
Leading the attacking line are seasoned forwards Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva, whose European and Middle Eastern experience adds leadership, composure and clinical finishing to the squad.
Samatta’s presence brings invaluable top-flight experience from France, while Msuva’s consistency and goal threat from Iraq enhance Tanzania’s attacking options significantly.
The defensive unit is one of Tanzania’s strongest areas, featuring reliable performers from clubs such as Simba SC, Young Africans SC and Azam FC, complemented by Europe-based talents including Haji Mnoga and Novatus Dismas.
This depth in defence will be essential when facing Nigeria’s physicality and Tunisia’s structured, tactical football, both of which demand high levels of organisation, communication and positional awareness.
In midfield, the Taifa Stars possess creativity, discipline and ball-retention ability, thanks to players like Feisal Salum, Morice Abraham, Habibu Iddi and Rochdale’s Tarrryn Allouche.
Control of the midfield will be crucial in determining Tanzania’s competitiveness, especially against opponents who excel in technical play and quick transitions.
The team will open their AFCON campaign against three-time champions Nigeria on Tuesday, December 23, 2023, a fixture that will test their defensive resilience and counter-attacking efficiency from the outset.
Their second match against regional rivals Uganda, on December 27, presents a more balanced contest, as both sides are familiar with each other’s style of play through CECAFA competitions.
The fixture against Tunisia, on December 30, will demand discipline and patience, given Tunisia’s reputation for tactical intelligence, composure and tournament experience.
Tanzania enters Group C as underdogs, but with realistic hopes of securing qualification to the knockout stages, provided they maintain defensive solidity and take their chances in crucial moments.
A victory against Uganda and positive results from either Nigeria or Tunisia could be enough to push the Taifa Stars into the last 16, marking a significant milestone in the team’s modern football journey.
Overall, the Taifa Stars’ well-structured preparations, combined with a balanced squad and improved competitive mentality, give Tanzania a legitimate opportunity to cause surprises at AFCON 2025, especially if they execute their game plans effectively and remain united throughout the tournament.
