DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA celebrates its 63rd birthday and the nation has much to rejoice about, with its recent sporting successes adding a delightful layer of sweetness to the occasion.
Particularly, the year 2024 has been a milestone for Tanzanian football, with remarkable achievements across the board. From the iconic Taifa Stars to the rising stars of the Ngorongoro Heroes and the resilient Twiga Stars, Tanzania’s journey towards glory is being written in bold, exciting strokes.
Taifa Stars have surely turned heads this year. Their qualification for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has been a feat worth celebrating and the way they secured it was nothing short of spectacular.
After a tense and nail-biting 1-0 victory against Guinea at the iconic Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Taifa Stars secured their spot in the tournament for the fourth time—joining the ranks of Tanzania’s footballing elite in 1980, 2019, 2023 and now 2024.
The electrifying atmosphere at the stadium was electric, as Simon Msuva’s second-half header sent the crowds into raptures. This victory not only guaranteed Tanzania’s second-place finish in Group H but also made sure that Guinea and Ethiopia couldn’t catch up.
It was a win that had the nation buzzing and the excitement was reminiscent of the same scenes in 2019 when Taifa Stars shocked Uganda with a 3-0 thrashing. Each of these victories is a sweet memory that will forever be etched in the hearts of Tanzanian fans.
It wasn’t just the senior squad that stole the show this year. The Ngorongoro Heroes, Tanzania’s under-20 team, displayed heart, resilience and sheer determination, defeating Uganda’s Hippos 2-1 to qualify for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament.
Trailing behind 0-1, they roared back with a fiery comeback and it was Jammy Jammy who sealed the deal with a winning goal that sent fans into wild celebration. This victory at the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers in Dar es Salaam proved that Tanzania’s football future is in safe hands, with a crop of young talents ready to take on the continent’s best.
In another milestone achievement, the Twiga Stars qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Their journey was nothing short of a rollercoaster, but they triumphed over Togo with a 3-2 aggregate score, ensuring their place at the 2024 finals in Morocco.
This is the first time since 2010 that Twiga Stars have made it this far and the nation is filled with pride.
Coach Bakari Shime’s beaming smile reflected the pride of a nation, as Tanzania once again became the beacon of hope for women’s football in East Africa.
ALSO READ: FIFA Rankings: Tanzania climbs six places
Sweet rising in FIFA Rankings
Tanzania’s football success has not only brought joy to fans, but it has also propelled the country upward in the FIFA rankings. Climbing six places, Tanzania has moved from 112th to 106th in the world, marking the highest position in nearly a decade.
With a total of 1,199.33 points, the country has seen a resurgence, driven by key victories against Guinea, Ethiopia and Sudan. This sharp rise is a testament to the hard work of the players and their commitment to elevating Tanzanian football to new heights.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past, the excitement continues to bubble up for the future. With Taifa Stars, Twiga Stars and the Ngorongoro Heroes all shining brightly, the sweet taste of success lingers in the air.
The upcoming year holds great promise, with hopes high that Tanzania can break past its group-stage challenges in upcoming AFCON and WAFCON tournaments. This could be the year that turns the page on past disappointments, as the nation looks to excel beyond the group stages and claim its rightful place among the continent’s best.
With three teams flying the flag high, the optimism in the air is palpable. The Taifa Stars have proven their mettle, the Ngorongoro Heroes have demonstrated their hunger and the Twiga Stars have shown they are no pushovers. Now, all eyes are on 2024, where the nation hopes to witness a footballing renaissance. And who knows? This birthday celebration could be the start of something truly special.
Tanzania: Sweet success in every slice
Tanzania’s 63rd birthday is a celebration of sporting excellence, joy, and anticipation. The year 2024 has seen sweet moments, with the national teams delivering triumphs that will go down in history. As the country bakes up more successes on the field, it’s clear that the future is golden for Tanzanian football.
The hope is that next year’s cake will be even sweeter, filled with more victories and unforgettable moments, as Taifa Stars, Twiga Stars, and Ngorongoro Heroes rise to the challenge.
With high hopes and pride, Tanzania looks ahead to its bright football future—let’s keep celebrating and cheering them on.
