The Tanzania national team, Taifa Stars, are gearing up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia. Head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has unveiled a 26-man squad for the highly anticipated match, scheduled for Wednesday, October 6th, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Coach Suleiman has largely maintained the core of the squad that participated in the previous qualifiers against Niger and Congo, emphasizing consistency as Tanzania aims to solidify its position in Group E. However, some notable omissions have sparked debate among fans.
Key Players Missing from the Squad
Aalborg striker Kelvin John, despite his impressive form in Denmark, has been surprisingly left out of the squad once again. Veteran forwards Saimon Msuva and captain Mbwana Samatta are also absent, signaling a continued transition phase under Coach Morocco's leadership.
Squad Composition: Home-Based Talent and Foreign Flair
The squad comprises a blend of 20 players from local clubs and six foreign-based professionals. Players from Tanzania's top clubs heavily dominate the selection. Azam boasts the highest number of representatives with seven players, followed by Young Africans with six, Simba with five, and Singida Black Stars with two.
New Goalkeeping Prospect
Azam's in-form goalkeeper Zuberi Foba has earned his first-ever call-up to the national team, joining Yakoub Suleiman (Simba) and Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars) in the goalkeeping department. This provides exciting competition for the number one spot.
Full Squad List
- Goalkeepers: Yakoub Suleiman (Simba), Hussein Masalanga (Singida Black Stars), Zuberi Foba (Azam).
- Defenders: Israel Mwenda (Young Africans), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Elias Lawi (Azam), Wilson Nangu (Simba), Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Haji Mnoga (Salford City, England), Dickson Job (Young Africans), Miano Danilo (FK Panevezys, Lithuania).
- Midfielders: Novatus Dismas (Goztepe, Turkey), Pascal Msindo (Azam), Offen Chikola (Young Africans), Aziz Andambwile (Young Africans), Yahya Zayd (Azam), Yusuph Kagoma (Simba), Habibu Idd (Singida Black Stars), Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale, England), Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana, Malta), Feisal Salum (Azam), Morice Abraham (Simba), Edwin Balua (En Paralimniou, Cyprus).
The Taifa Stars will be looking to secure a vital win against Zambia in this crucial World Cup qualifier. Ghanaians will be keenly following the progress of both teams in the African qualifying campaign.