Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, are expected to arrive back home the day after tomorrow from Morocco, where they featured in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and delivered a historic performance for the nation.
The team made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time in the country’s AFCON participation, a milestone that marks a significant step forward for Tanzanian football. Taifa Stars were eliminated after a closely contested 1–0 loss to tournament hosts Morocco.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, said the players will return aboard a special Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, a gesture facilitated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in recognition of the team’s achievement and commitment on the continental stage.
Msigwa said that upon their arrival, President Samia has organised a special luncheon to honour Taifa Stars, alongside other athletes who have represented Tanzania with distinction in various international competitions, including athletics, boxing, futsal and cricket.
“This is a great honour for our country. In appreciation of the magnitude of this achievement, the President has arranged special transport and a congratulatory event to recognise the outstanding efforts of our players in Morocco, despite the challenges they faced in their final match against the hosts,” Msigwa said.
He further urged Tanzanians to come out in large numbers to welcome the team, describing Taifa Stars as true ambassadors who have raised the national flag high and inspired pride and unity through their performance at Africa’s biggest football tournament.