As co-hosts of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), Tanzania’s Taifa Stars return to the continental stage with hope, pride, and ambition. Making their third appearance in the competition after 2009 and 2020, the home side is eager to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their CHAN history.
With a revitalized domestic league and rising standards in local football, Tanzania will hope to ride the momentum created by its club sides. Giants Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga SC) have set the pace, with Simba reaching the final of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, while Yanga were runners-up in the 2022/23 edition—performances that have restored Tanzania’s reputation in African football and earned the country four slots in CAF competitions.
The Taifa Stars, coached by Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ have had a solid buildup. After an initial camp in Egypt, the team relocated to Karatu, Arusha, where they trained at Black Rhino Academy and took part in a well-contested three-nation friendly tournament. Tanzania impressed in the warm-up matches, defeating reigning CHAN champions Senegal 2–1 and edging out Uganda 1–0—results that boosted confidence and cohesion within the squad.
Placed in Group B alongside Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Madagascar, and Central African Republic (CAR), the Taifa Stars are viewed by many as potential group winners or runners-up. However, coach Hemed has warned against complacency, stressing the importance of focus and execution. “Football is never played on paper,” he noted during camp. “We respect every opponent, and we must approach each game with seriousness and belief.”
Official Squad
Star Watch :
Clement Mzize (Young Africans SC) – The Yanga forward enters CHAN 2024 as Tanzania’s most lethal attacking weapon. Known for his smart positioning and clinical finishing, Mzize was instrumental in Yanga’s domestic run and continues to develop into a dependable goal threat. His performance will be key to Taifa Stars’ fortunes on home soil.
Feisal Salum (Azam FC) – A midfield maestro with vision and precision, Feisal comes into the tournament off a stellar 2024/25 season where he registered 13 assists for Azam. His ability to dictate tempo, create chances, and link play will make him the heartbeat of Tanzania’s midfield. With his creativity and composure, Feisal is expected to be the team’s primary engine in unlocking tight defenses.
Tanzania Fixtures (All at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium)
2nd August: Tanzania vs Burkina Faso
6th August: Tanzania vs Mauritania
9th August: Tanzania vs Madagascar
16th August: CAR vs Tanzania
As one of the three host nations, expectations are high. With home advantage, rising stars in the squad, and a supportive crowd behind them at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Taifa Stars will be aiming to turn potential into history.
