Tanzania’s national under-20 football team, the Ngorongoro Heroes, is set to enter camp tomorrow as part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Egypt.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has released a provisional squad of 39 players, selected from both local and international clubs, signaling the country's commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the continental tournament.
The selected players include some of the most promising talents currently playing in the domestic leagues. Among them are Ismail Mpank, Nickson Mosha, and Ahmed Pipino from KMC, Khatibu Mwakilishi from Songea United, and False Gama from Coastal Union.
Azam FC contributes four players Antony Remy, Ismail Ally, Zidane Sereri, and Abdubakar Kiswanya while Sixbert Mlingo represents Namungo FC. Geita Gold has also produced two call-ups: Faustine Kurwa and Jackson Suleja.
Other local-based players include Omary Manga from Mtibwa Sugar; Karim Bakari and Wilson Nangu from JKT Tanzania; Charles Komanya of Stand United; and Lameck Lawi and Ally Msangi from Coastal Union.
The Technical Military Academy (TMA) will be represented by Vedastus Masinde and Goodluck Bosco, while Emmanuel Gesabo joins the squad from Muhoron Youth in Kenya.
From Zanzibar, Suleiman Idrisa (Mafunzo), Abdul Shakur Ameir (Polisi Zanzibar), and Suleiman Said (KVZ) have earned their spots.
Hijja Shamte, Said Naushad, and Cyprian Kachwere from Kagera Sugar have also been included, alongside Shekhan Ibrahim from Yanga, and Jammy Simba and Valentine Mashaka from Simba SC.
A notable highlight of the squad is the inclusion of several foreign-based players, showing the growing influence of Tanzanian talent abroad.
These include Lucas Jayden (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Paul Mhuro (Adolcorn Academy, Spain), Abdul Madenge (Grassrunners Academy, Nigeria), Selemani Mwalimu (Wydad AC, Morocco), and Morice Sichone (Trident FC, Zambia). Mishamo David from Kengold has also made the list.
The camp will offer the technical bench a crucial opportunity to evaluate players’ fitness levels, build team cohesion, and implement tactical strategies.
With high expectations surrounding this talented generation, preparations are being taken seriously as Tanzania aims for a strong showing at the U-20 AFCON.
