OGUN, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi has announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the group that will attempt to guide the Taifa Stars out of the tournament’s group stage for the first time in their history.
The squad, revealed after an earlier provisional list, blends key overseas-based players with a strong core from Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC.
Tanzania, making their fourth appearance at the continental finals, have been drawn into a demanding Group A alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and regional rivals Uganda.
The biggest headline is the presence of captain Mbwana Samatta, who returns to lead the side after rediscovering his form with French Ligue 1 club Le Havre.
Experienced forward Simon Msuva, now playing in Iraq, is also included after featuring in the provisional squad.
Gamondi said when unveiling his preliminary list that his priority was to build a “strong, well-balanced side” capable of competing with Africa’s best, emphasising his intention to rely heavily on locally based players who understand Tanzanian football’s identity.
The final selection also reflects that philosophy. Several standout performers from the Tanzanian Premier League — including Feisal Salum, Pascal Msindo, Yakoub Suleiman and Mohammed Hussein — have been retained, while young talents such as Kelvin Nashon and Novatus Dismas also make the squad.
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Defender Haji Mnoga, who plays for Salford City in England, is among the most notable overseas inclusions.
His experience at the 2023 AFCON adds valuable continuity to a defence that struggled at the last edition but showed improvement during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Taifa Stars collected their highest-ever AFCON points tally in 2023 despite exiting at the group stage, and Gamondi, who replaced Hemed Suleiman earlier, has called on his side to “push to get results in every game” as they chase a historic knockout-stage appearance.
Tanzania open their AFCON campaign against Nigeria on December 23 before facing Uganda four days later and concluding the group phase against Tunisia on December 30.
Tanzania’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC)
Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS)
Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)
Defenders
Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans)
Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC)
Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC)
Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans)
Nickson Kibabage (Simba SC)
Wilson Nnang (Simba SC)
Novatus Dismas (Göztepe FC, Turkey)
Kelvin Nashon (Tanda Jiji)
Pascal Msindo (Azam FC)
Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England)