Kudos Taifa Stars for AFCON milestone

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA national football team – Taifa Stars has achieved a milestone by storming into a knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan congratulated Taifa Stars for their strong preparation, unwavering commitment and historic achievement. Tanzania has only played in three Africa Cup of Nations, in 1980, 2019 and 2023.

This resulted with Tanzania often struggling in qualifying campaign, and outside the first 1980 edition debut, Tanzania had to wait for 39 years before qualifying to another AFCON.

The national team’s records in the tournament had not been impressive, with five defeats and one draw dated from their 1980 debut edition, a 1–1 draw to Ivory Coast.

The President conveyed her message through social media on Wednesday, following the Stars’ thrilling 1-1 draw with Tunisia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, a result that opened a new chapter in the nation’s football history.

Taifa Stars came from behind to earn a point that not only showcased their growing maturity but also confirmed their arrival on the continental stage.

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The stakes were high heading into the encounter, with Tunisia needing at least a draw to secure qualification, while Tanzania were chasing a historic breakthrough.

It was the North Africans who started on the right foot, enjoying the bulk of possession in the opening exchanges, though their dominance was not matched by the urgency.

As the President said, the landmark success is the product of sustained government investment in the sports sector, coupled with dedication, discipline and relentless effort from both the players and the technical bench.

Tunisia’s most consistent threat came through Ismael Gharbi, whose creativity repeatedly tested the Tanzanian backline. The young forward went close midway through the first half with a stunning left-footed curler that crashed against the post, a warning sign of what was to come.

The Carthage Eagles eventually found their reward three minutes before the break. Hazem Mastouri was brought down in the penalty area by Bakari Mwamnyeto, prompting a lengthy VAR review.

After confirmation, Tunisia was awarded a penalty, and Gharbi stepped up calmly to convert, giving Tunisia a deserved 1–0 lead. We congratulate Stars who in the second half responded in style to see their historic dream made.

Tunisia opted for a more conservative approach, choosing to protect their advantage rather than push for a decisive second goal. That caution gradually shifted the momentum.