Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta has revealed that the Taifa Stars are determined to write a new chapter in the country’s football history by exceeding expectations at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Bold Sports reports.
Tanzania have been drawn into a tricky Group C alongside three-time African champions Nigeria, former champions Tunisia, and East African rivals Uganda.
The Taifa Stars will open their campaign against the Super Eagles on Tuesday in Fez, a fixture that revisits their first-ever AFCON meeting in 1980. On that occasion, Tanzania suffered a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria, then known as the Green Eagles, a fate they will be hoping to avoid this time around.
Despite making three previous AFCON appearances without recording a single win, Samatta believes the current squad has what it takes to change the narrative. The East Africans are targeting not only their maiden AFCON victory but also a place in the knockout stages.
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Speaking ahead of the clash with Nigeria, the captain acknowledged the difficulty of the group but insisted the team is fully prepared to challenge the continent’s heavyweights.
“Many football fans say we are in a very tough group, and that is true,” Samatta said. “We know what this tournament means to the nation, and we want to give our best in every match. We are determined to make history.
“If you want to achieve something meaningful in Africa, you must be ready to face strong teams. There are no easy matches at this level. Our training sessions in Rabat have been very good, morale in the camp is high, and every player understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the national team jersey.”
The Le Havre striker, who previously played alongside Nigeria international Paul Onuachu at Belgian side Genk, also appealed to Tanzanians at home and abroad to rally behind the team, insisting that their support could provide a vital boost.
“We ask all Tanzanians to support us, pray for us, and stand with us,” Samatta added. “We are representing the country at the biggest football tournament in Africa, and together we can achieve something special.”
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