Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, has arrived in Zanzibar as they prepare for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
The match against the Chipolopolo is set for October 8 at the New Amaan Complex Stadium, and comes at a decisive moment in Group E standings.
The squad began preparations in Dar es Salaam, entering camp on October 4, before departing for Zanzibar yesterday to finalize their tactical readiness.
The team features a mix of domestic stars and internationals. Key players from Simba include Yacoub Sulemani, Wilson Nangu, Morice Abraham, Yusuph Kagoma, and Suleiman Mwalimu, while Azam is represented by Zuberi Foba, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Elias Lawi, Pascal Msindo, Yahya Zayd, Feisal Salum, and Abdul Suleiman.
Yanga’s contingent includes Dickson Job, Israel Mwenda, Bakari Mwanyeto, Aziz Andambwile, Ibrahim Abdulla, and Offen Chikola. Singida Black Stars contribute Hussein Masalanga and Habibu Iddi. Among Tanzanians playing abroad are Novatus Dismas (Coztepe FC, Turkey), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, UK), Tarraryn Allarakhia (Rochdale AFC, UK), Edwin Balua (Enosis Paralimniou, Cyprus), Miano Dalino (FK Panevezys, Lithuania), and Charles M’mombwa (Florian FC, Malta). The squad is led by head coach Hemed Suleiman, popularly known as ‘Morocco’.
Tanzania currently sits second in Group E with 10 points, just behind Morocco, who have also secured 10 points and early qualification for next year’s World Cup in the United States.
Zambia and Niger are tied for third with six points each, separated by goal difference, while Congo is fifth with one point and Eritrea is at the bottom with no points.
The Zanzibar clash is pivotal for Tanzania’s qualification hopes. A win would keep the Stars in strong contention for a historic World Cup appearance, and fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown.