Taifa Stars ready for Ethiopia game in AFCON Qualifiers opener
DAR ES SALAAM: THE stage is set at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium as Tanzania’s Taifa Stars prepare to face Ethiopia National Team (Walia) in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The crucial clash marks the beginning of a demanding journey for both teams in Group H, each seeking to gain an early edge.
The Taifa Stars are determined to start their campaign with a strong performance, aiming to secure a spot in the AFCON finals for the fourth time in the tournament’s history.
With a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, the national team is poised to make a significant impact on home turf.
Head Coach Hemed Suleiman, also known as ‘Morocco,’ expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness for today’s match against Ethiopia’s Walia.
“We are well-prepared, both physically and tactically.
Our primary goal is to make the most of our home advantage and secure all three points,” Suleiman stated.
He highlighted the team’s ambition to establish itself among Africa’s top football nations.
“To achieve this, we need to deliver exceptional performances on the international stage.”
Although the squad is missing key players like Simon Msuva and Mbwana Samatta, Coach Suleiman remains optimistic about the capabilities of his current lineup.
“We trust in our players’ abilities and their readiness to rise to the occasion,” he noted.
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Team representative, Dickson Job, appealed to fans to support the team wholeheartedly.
“We are ready for today’s match and need the backing of our fans to create a vibrant atmosphere that will inspire us to deliver a memorable performance,” Job said.
Tanzania has participated in the AFCON three times; first in 1980 in Nigeria, then in Egypt in 2019, and most recently in Ivory Coast in 2023.
Despite these appearances, the team has yet to advance beyond the group stage.
In a show of support, media and communication managers from Simba, Young Africans, and Azam have rallied behind the Taifa Stars.
Ahmed Ally of Simba, Yanga’s Ally Kamwe and Hasheem Ibwe of Azam have called on fans to fill the 60,000-seat stadium.
Kamwe also announced a special incentive: “In support of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s goal incentive programme, Simba, Yanga and Azam will reward each goal with 5m/-,” he said.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, revealed that President Samia will contribute 5m/- per goal.
He urged Tanzanians to back their team with enthusiasm.
“Our support is vital for success in this campaign, which could pave the way for automatic qualification for the 2027 AFCON as hosts,” Msigwa said.
As the Taifa Stars take to the field, anticipation is high. Today’s match is not just a game; it represents a pivotal step toward Tanzania’s future in African football.
