Stars coach names 26-man squad for Zambia clash

DAR ES SALAAM: TAIFA Stars Head Coach Hemed Suleiman has unveiled a 26-man squad drawn from both domestic and foreign clubs as preparations intensify ahead of their World Cup qualifying showdown with Zambia on October 8 in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Suleiman listed a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces.

Among the homebased names are Yakoub Suleiman (Simba), Hussein Masaranga (Singida Black Stars), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC), Israel Mwenda (Young Africans), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Yanga), Elias Lawi (Azam FC) and Wilson Nangu (Simba).

The squad also features Pascal Msindo (Azam), Ibrahim Abdullah (Yanga), Dickson Job (Yanga), Yusuph Kagoma (Simba) and the Turkey-based Novatus Dismas ( Goztepe FC).

Yahya Zaid (Azam), Edmund John (Yanga) and Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta) add further depth to the midfield and attack.

Regular faces are Mudathir Yahya (Yanga), Abdul Hamis (Azam), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Iddy Selemani (Azam) and Selemani Mwalimu (Simba). These have all earned call-ups, strengthening the team’s spine with proven quality.

Fresh inclusions bring a new spark to the squad. Notable additions include Offen Chikola (Yanga), Tarryn Allakhan (Rochdale AFC, England), Edwin Balua (En Paralimniou, Cyprus), Zuber Foba (Azam FC), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), Miano Danilo (FK Panevėžys -Lithuania), Habib Idd (Singida Big Stars) and Mourice Abraham (Simba).

However, the absence of some big names has raised eyebrows. Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba SC, Iraq), Captain Mbwana S amatta ( L e H avre A C , France), Antony Remi (Azam) and Clement Mzize (Yanga) Shomari Kapombe (Simba) and Mohamed Hussein have all been overlooked this time around.

With Zambia game looming, Suleiman will be hoping his chosen 26 can blend youth and experience to deliver the cutting edge needed as Tanzania pushes for a place on football’s grandest stage.

Tanzania finds itself in an intense battle in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Africa. Leading the pack is Morocco, a powerhouse that has dominated the group by winning all seven of their matches, amassing a perfect 21 points.

Following closely behind is Tanzania, who have demonstrated resilience with 10 points from seven games — securing three victories, three losses and one draw. Niger holds third place with nine points, while Zambia trails with six. At the bottom of the group sits Congo, struggling with only a single point after six matches.

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Across the CAF region, Morocco has firmly established itself as a front-runner and Tunisia has also confirmed their qualification, setting the stage for more celebrations this October as other nations strive to punch their ticket to the World Cup.

A total of nine slots in the final tournament and one inter-confederation play-off slot are reserved for CAF teams, The 2026 World Cup takes place across three host