Stars chase AFCON fairytale

DAR ES SALAAM: Taifa Stars, the nation’s pride and joy, have danced with destiny in Africa’s grandest football stage – the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the rhythm has often been uneven—filled with moments of promise, heartbreak and lessons learnt the hard way.

Since the turn of the millennium, Tanzania has punched its ticket to AFCON three times—2019, 2023 and the recently secured for the 2025 tournament.

Each qualification was a mountain climbed, a battle fought, and a step toward building a team that could rub shoulders with Africa’s footballing giants.

But the road has been anything but smooth. This is the story of Taifa Stars’ AFCON journey—a tale of grit, growing pains and a burning desire to conquer Africa’s footballing summit.

Before 2019, Tanzania had been in the football wilderness, missing out on AFCON for nearly four decades.

The return to the continental stage was meant to be a rebirth, but instead, it was a baptism by fire.

Led by Nigerian coach Emmanuel Amunike, Taifa Stars found themselves in a lion’s den —drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Senegal and Kenya.

The opening match against Senegal was a rude awakening. Sadio Mané and company toyed with Taifa Stars like a cat playing with a trapped mouse, cruising to a 2-0 victory.

If the first match was a defensive horror show, the second game against Kenya was an emotional rollercoaster.

Tanzania led twice, tantalising fans with the possibility of a historic win, but defensive frailties reared their ugly head, resulting in a gutwrenching 3-2 defeat. By the time they faced Algeria, the writing was on the wall.

The eventual champions made light work of Taifa Stars, sealing a 3-0 win that sent Tanzania packing without a single point.

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The numbers were sobering—three games, three losses, eight goals conceded, only two scored. The dream had quickly turned into a nightmare.

Football, like life, is about learning from past failures. Taifa Stars returned to AFCON four years later, battle-hardened and eager to prove they belonged among the Africa’s elite.

This time, under the tactical guidance of Algerian coach Adel Amrouche, Tanzania showed defensive steel that was missing in 2019.

Their opening game against DR Congo was a dogfight. The Leopards, expected to bulldoze through Tanzania, found themselves in a frustrating stalemate as Taifa Stars refused to roll over.

A 1-1 draw was a statement—it was no longer the same naive team from 2019.

Against Zambia, Taifa Stars doubled down on their defensive discipline, grinding out a goalless draw.

Two matches, two points. Suddenly, the dream of making it to the knockout stage didn’t seem so far-fetched. But reality struck again in the final group game against Morocco.

A 1-0 defeat, though respectable, meant Tanzania’s campaign ended at the group stage once more.

However, there were notable improvements—Taifa Stars conceded only four goals compared to eight in 2019 and managed to avoid the embarrassing zero-point finish. Yet, the same old ghost haunted them—scoring goals. In three matches, they found the net only once.

A rock-solid defence is commendable, but goals win matches and Tanzania simply wasn’t firing enough bullets. Taifa Stars are back for a third consecutive AFCON and this time, there’s a real belief that they can turn the tide.

The qualification campaign was a testament to their growing maturity. A crucial 1-0 victory over Guinea, with Simon Msuva providing the golden touch, secured their spot.

Tanzania finished second in Group H with 10 points, just two behind leaders Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This was not a fluke—it was a team that had learned from past mistakes, that had built resilience, that was beginning to believe in itself. But belief alone won’t take them far in 2025. The challenges are clear and the solutions must come quickly.

The question “what Taifa Stars must fix before AFCON 2025?” is critical. First, goals, goals, goals. You don’t win matches by parking the bus and hoping for the best.

Taifa Stars have to sharpen their attacking blades. Across six AFCON matches in 2019 and 2023, they have scored only three goals—a dismal return.

Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva have carried the burden for years, but they need support. Young strikers must step up, and the midfield must provide better service.

Set pieces, counter-attacks and clinical finishing will be the difference between another group-stage exit and making history. Second, tactical flexibility.

In 2019, Tanzania played too openly and got punished. In 2023, they were too cautious and lacked firepower.

The key to success is balance. Taifa Stars must be adaptable— solid at the back but fearless in attack.

Teams that go far in AFCON have multiple plans—attack when necessary, defend when needed and adjust according to the opponent.

If Tanzania want to reach the knockout rounds, they must master this art. Also mental strength and big game mentality matter. AFCON is not just about skills—it’s about mentality.

Tanzania has often crumbled under pressure, conceding late goals or failing to take control of winnable matches.

They must develop a winning mentality, play with belief and stop treating big teams like invincible gods.

The likes of Comoros and Madagascar have shown that underdogs can bite—why not Tanzania? The future: Golden Era in making? Beyond AFCON, Tanzanian football is on an upward trajectory.

The rise of domestic clubs like Simba SC and Young Africans SC in CAF competitions is exposing players to top-tier football.

More Tanzanians playing abroad would also boost the national team’s quality. Investment in youth development is another key.

If Tanzania can produce the next generation of stars from grassroots academies and give them international exposure, the Taifa Stars of the future might not just qualify for AFCON—they might challenge for the trophy.

The support from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the government must also be firm. Infrastructure, coaching programmes and funding must match the ambitions of a nation hungry for football success.

Former Simba and Stars legend Abdallah Kibaden has always insisted; “we need more local coaches, more coaching programmes if we want our Taifa Stars to shine like their name.”

If one question lingers mow in football fans’ minds in Tanzania then it must be “can Taifa Stars finally break through? Let’s face it, Taifa Stars have flirted with progress but have yet to make a deep AFCON run.

They have learnt painful lessons, tasted bitter defeats, but they keep coming back stronger. AFCON 2025 presents a golden opportunity—a chance to step out of the shadows and announce Tanzania as a force to be reckoned with.

Will they seize the moment? Will they finally roar on the big stage? The road to glory is never easy, but Taifa Stars have shown they have the heart.

Now, they must show they have the firepower. One thing is certain—Tanzania is ready for its biggest football chapter yet