The Government has called on Taifa Stars to turn their frustration into renewed determination in the remaining Group matches against Uganda and Tunisia following a narrow 2–1 defeat to Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Tanzania will face Uganda on December 27 before wrapping up their Group fixtures against Tunisia on December 30, with both matches viewed as crucial in the country’s bid to advance to the knockout stage of the continental tournament.
Speaking shortly after the Nigeria encounter, Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, said the focus must now shift to winning the remaining matches in order to secure qualification beyond the Group stage.
Makonda said the pace, discipline and fighting spirit displayed by Taifa Stars against Nigeria provided a strong foundation that must be carried forward into the upcoming fixtures.
“Now we turn to God in prayer, because nothing is impossible. Let us face Uganda and Tunisia with courage and determination so that we can realise our dream of progressing from the Group stage and improving on our previous AFCON campaign,” Makonda said.
He urged Tanzanians to continue believing in the national team, describing the current squad as one of the most competitive in the country’s football history.
According to Makonda, the true value of a player lies in personal commitment and character rather than external circumstances.
He added that the two remaining matches offer a vital opportunity for experienced players seeking to end their international careers with pride, as well as for younger players aiming to lay a strong foundation for their future in international football.
Commenting on the Nigeria match, Makonda said Tanzania’s performance earned respect across the continent, noting that senior football officials, including the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), acknowledged Taifa Stars as a highly competitive side.
He further revealed that Nigeria’s President and Sports Minister admitted they had not expected such strong resistance from Tanzania.
Meanwhile, former Taifa Stars head coach Boniface Mkwasa said the team showed maturity and resilience against Nigeria but still needs to address a few technical and tactical errors ahead of the remaining Group matches.
Mkwasa said timely corrections by the technical bench, combined with the fighting spirit already demonstrated by the players, could significantly boost Tanzania’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the AFCON tournament.