Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, has named a provisional squad of 27 players as part of its preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda this August.
The squad comprising exclusively home-based players was announced Friday by Head Coach Ahmed Suleiman ‘Morocco’, who confirmed that the team will begin a two-week intensive training camp in Egypt from July 7, before returning home to finalize preparations.
“The camp will begin shortly after the CRDB Federation Cup final between Yanga and Singida, scheduled for June 29 in Zanzibar,” said Morocco during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam.
“Players involved in the final will be given brief rest before joining the rest of the squad in Egypt.”he added
Morocco said the decision to pitch camp in Egypt was driven by the country’s superior infrastructure and a conducive training environment.
“Egypt provides the tranquility and professional football facilities we need for proper technical and physical readiness,” he said.
The coach stressed the importance of this year’s CHAN tournament as a platform to assess and elevate local talent, especially as the country builds towards a stronger presence in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Our ambition is to win every match. Playing at home gives us a unique advantage, and we intend to use it well. The focus now is preparation both physically and mentally,” he added.
Among the most notable inclusions is veteran goalkeeper Aishi Manula of Simba SC, who returns to the national set-up. Coach Morocco said Manula’s experience will be vital, adding that two weeks of structured training should bring the keeper back to full competitive fitness.
The squad also includes key players from domestic powerhouses Simba, Yanga, Azam, KMC, and others.
Squad list:Aishi Manula, Shomari Kapombe, Mohammed Hussein, Abdulrazack Hamza, Yusuph Kagoma, Kibu Denis (Simba); Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Star); Lusajo Mwaikenda, Feisal Salum, Abdul Suleiman, Iddy Sulemani, Pascal Msindo, Nassor Saadun (Azam); Sheikhan Khamis, Clement Mzize, Mudathir Yahya, Ibrahim Hamad (Yanga); Sabby Kondo, Lameck Lawi (Coastal Union); Ahmed Pipino, Jammy Simba (KMC); Yakoub Selemani, Wilson Nangu (JKT Tanzania); Mishano Michael (Kengold); Vedastus Masinde (TMA Stars); and Ibrahim Hamad (Tabora United).
Tanzania is aiming to capitalize on home advantage during CHAN 2024 and deliver a performance that reflects the growth of its domestic football scene.
