Suleiman unveils Stars squad
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’s national football team – Taifa Stars Head Coach, Hemed Suleiman, has announced a 23-man squad ahead of two vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Congo Brazzaville and Niger.
The selected squad features a mix of localbased players and international stars, reflecting both experience and youthful energy.
Suleiman revealed that the team will start camp tomorrow before flying out the following day to Congo for their opening clash.
Among those called up are goalkeepers Yakoub Suleiman (JKT Tanzania), Hussein Masaraga (Singida Big Stars) and Antony Remi (Azam), who will be competing for the number one jersey.
Defensively, the squad includes Shomary Kapombe (Simba), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam) and Wilson Nangu (JKT Tanzania), alongside experienced campaigners Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans), Pascal Msindo (Azam), Ibrahim Abdullah (Yanga) and Dickson Job (Yanga).
In midfield, Suleiman named Yusuph Kagoma (Simba), Novatus Dismas (Goztepe, Turkey), Yahaya Zayd (Azam), Edmund John (Yanga) and Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana FC, Malta).
These players will be expected to provide both creativity and defensive stability as the Stars seek to make an impact in the qualifiers.
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The engine room is further strengthened by the inclusion of Mudathir Yahya (Yanga), Clement Mzize (Yanga), Abdul Hamis (Azam FC) and the reliable Feisal Salum (Azam), whose international experience will be crucial in guiding the younger players.
Up front, the coach has turned to the leadership and goal-scoring pedigree of captain Mbwana Samatta, currently plying his trade with Le Havre AC in France.
He is joined by Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba SC, Iraq), Iddy Selemani (Azam) and Selemani Mwalimu (Simba), providing multiple options in attack.
Speaking after announcing the squad, Coach Suleiman expressed confidence that the blend of experienced internationals and promising youngsters would give Tanzania a strong chance of securing positive results.
The coach has always emphasised the importance of discipline and teamwork, noting that every player selected had earned their place through hard work and consistency at club level.
