Samatta recalled ahead of DR Congo AFCON Qualifiers

THE national football team, Taifa Stars, skipper Mbwana Samatta has been recalled to the squad, along with five new players in preparation for their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against the DR Congo, scheduled for October 10 and 15.

Samatta, who was previously dropped from the team for matches against Ethiopia and Guinea, rejoins the squad alongside Zuberi Foba, Nassoro Saadun (both from Azam FC), Abdulrazack Hamza (Simba), Abdullah Said (KMC) and Suleiman Mwalim (Fountain Gate).

Some players named in the previous squad for the games against Ethiopia and Guinea have been excluded due to various reasons and among those dropped is Novatus Miroshi who has not been included in the Stars squad named for the two AFCON 2025 qualifying matches against DR Congo due to injury.

Acting Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman, alias ‘Morocco,’ announced the squad in Dar es Salaam and expressed confidence in the team’s preparations.

“We have sufficient time to train ahead of the challenging matches against DR Congo.

We need to work hard to secure positive results and strengthen our position in the AFCON qualifiers,” he said.

Stars will face DR Congo away on October 10, followed by the return leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 15.

These matches are critical for Tanzania’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.

So far, Taifa Stars have recorded a 2-1 victory against Guinea and a goalless draw against Ethiopia in Group H.

Currently, DR Congo leads the group with six points, while Tanzania is in second place with four points. Ethiopia and Guinea trail behind with one and zero points, respectively.

Tanzania aims to secure its fourth AFCON finals qualification, having already achieved automatic entry for the 2027 edition, which will be co-hosted by Kenya and Uganda.

The squad entering training camp today includes: Goalkeepers: Ally Salim (Simba), Zuberi Foba (Azam FC), Yona Amos (Pamba Jiji) Defenders: Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam), Nathaniel Chilambo (Azam), Mohamed Hussein (Simba), Dickson Job (Yanga), Pascal Msindo (Azam), Ibrahim Bacca (Yanga), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Yanga), Abdulrazack Hamza (Simba), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England) Midfielders: Himid Mao (Talaal El Geisha, Egypt), Abdulmalik Zakaria (Mashujaa), Adolf Mtasingwa (Azam), Mudathir Yahya (Yanga), Suleiman Mwalim (Fountain Gate), Feisal Salum (Azam) Strikers: Cyprian Kachwele (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada), Clement Mzize (Yanga), Mbwana Samatta (PAOK FC), Kibu Denis (Simba), Nassoro Saadun (Azam FC) and Abdullah Said from KMC FC.

The third and fourth round matches of the 2025AFCON finals qualifiers will take place between October 10th and 15th as national teams compete for crucial points to seek tickets