The Tanzania national football team (Swahili: Timu ya Taifa ya Mpira wa Miguu ya Tanzania) represents Tanzania in men's international football and is controlled by the Tanzania Football Federation, the governing body for football in Tanzania, Tanzania's home ground is Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam and their head coach is Hemed Morocco from Tanzania. They are colloquially known as the Taifa Stars. Tanzania has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Before uniting with Zanzibar, the team played as the Tanganyika national football team. The team represents both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The island of Zanzibar, part of Tanzania (and once an independent nation), is also an associate member of CAF and has played matches with other nations, but is not eligible to enter the World Cup or Africa Cup of Nations. See Zanzibar national football team.

History

Since qualifying for the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, Tanzania endured nearly 40 years without major success, struggling in both African and World Cup qualifiers. Their best effort was in 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, where the Taifa Stars defeated Burkina Faso twice and only finished three points behind group winners Senegal. In 2010 Tanzania won the CECAFA Cup for the third time.[citation needed]

A recent achievement was a 1–0 win against South Africa in the 2017 COSAFA Cup Quarter-finals. But afterwards, Tanzania lost the Semi-finals 2–4 to Zambia. Then, in the Third-place playoff, Tanzania managed to win the match against Lesotho 4–2 in a penalty shootout after the extra time ended in a goalless draw. This Third place was considered Tanzania's biggest football achievement in many years.[citation needed]

On 24 March 2019, Tanzania beat East African rivals Uganda 3–0 to reach the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years. At the Finals the Taifa Stars, being the weakest team in the group, lost all three Group C matches, as predicted. A few months later, Tanzania qualified for the African Nations Championship for only the second time, as well as defeating Burundi in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.[citation needed]

On 19 November 2024 Tanzania won a narrow victory of 1–0 against Guinea which secured their fourth times since 1980. A decisive goal by Simon Msuva sent them to the tournament in 2025. The Afcon finals are scheduled to take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.

In February 2026, Tanzania's Ministry of Sports extended Miguel Ángel Gamondi's contract to coach the national football team.

Team image

Kit suppliers

Kit supplierPeriod
Germany Uhlsport2017–2023
Tanzania Sandaland2023–

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Win Draw Loss Fixture

2025

5 September 2026 World Cup qualificationCongo1–1TanzaniaBrazzaville, Congo
17:00 UTC+1Moussavou 68'Mwalimu 84'Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)
9 September 2026 World Cup qualificationTanzania0–1NigerZanzibar City, Tanzania
16:00 UTC+3Sosah 58'Stadium: Amaan Stadium Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
8 October 2026 World Cup qualificationTanzania0–1ZambiaZanzibar City, Tanzania
22:00 UTC+3F. Sakala 75'Stadium: Amaan Stadium Referee: Ibrahim Kalilou Traore (Ivory Coast)
14 October FriendlyIran2–0TanzaniaDubai, United Arab Emirates
20:00 UTC+4Hosseinzadeh 17' (pen.) Mohebi 26'Stadium: Rashid Stadium Referee: Adel Al Naqbi (United Arab Emirates)
15 November FriendlyKuwait4–3TanzaniaCairo, Egypt
18:00 UTC+2Stadium: Al Salam Stadium
23 December 2025 AFCON GSNigeria2–1TanzaniaFez, Morocco
18:30 UTC+1Ajayi 36' Lookman 52'M'Mombwa 50'Stadium: Fez Stadium Attendance: 11,444 Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
27 December 2025 AFCON GSUganda1–1TanzaniaRabat, Morocco
18:30 UTC+1Ikpeazu 80'Msuva 59' (pen.)Stadium: Al Medina Stadium Attendance: 10,540 Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
30 December 2025 AFCON GSTanzania1–1TunisiaRabat, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1Salum 48'Gharbi 43' (pen.)Stadium: Rabat Olympic Stadium Attendance: 15,205 Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo)

2026

4 January 2025 AFCON R16Morocco1–0TanzaniaRabat, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1Díaz 64'Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Attendance: 63,894 Referee: Boubou Traore (Mali)
26 March 2026 FIFA SeriesTanzania0–1LiechtensteinKigali, Rwanda
16:30 UTC+2Sağlam 55'Stadium: Kigali Pelé Stadium Referee: Mohamed Diraneh (Djibouti)
29 March 2026 FIFA SeriesMacau0–6TanzaniaKigali, Rwanda
15:00 UTC+2Amâncio 16' (o.g.) Mwamnyeto 26' Yahya 45' Peter 56' Miroshi 74' Allarakhia 87'Stadium: Kigali Pelé Stadium Attendance: 12,900 Referee: Lucky Kasalirwe (Uganda)

Coaching staff

Head coachArgentina Miguel Ángel Gamondi
Assistant coachTanzania Juma Mgunda
Assistant coachTanzania Hemed Morocco
Goalkeeper coachSaudi Arabia Osama Al-Hamdan
Physical coachFinland Mikael Mayoyo
Sports therapistBelgium Joris De Vos
Head of medicalTanzania Lisobine Kisongo
Team managerTanzania Reinhard
Video analysisTanzania Gabriel Johnson

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA Series (men's matches) matches against Liechtenstein and Macau on 26 and 29 March 2026, respectively.

Caps and goals correct as of 29 March 2026, after the match against Macau.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKYonna Geoffrey(1999-08-09)9 August 1999(age 26)10Tanzania Football Federation Pamba
131GKZuberi Foba(2002-05-23)23 May 2002(age 23)30Tanzania Football Federation Azam
181GKAishi Manula(1995-09-13)13 September 1995(age 30)660Tanzania Football Federation Azam
1GKYona Amosi(1999-08-09)9 August 1999(age 26)00Tanzania Football Federation Pamba
23MFHaji Mnoga(2002-04-16)16 April 2002(age 24)200The Football Association Salford City
32DFNickson Kibabage(2000-10-12)12 October 2000(age 25)170Tanzania Football Federation Simba
42DFLameck Lawi(2005-09-12)12 September 2005(age 20)20Tanzania Football Federation Azam
52DFNuru Twalib(2003-01-01)1 January 2003(age 23)20Tanzania Football Federation Azam
142DFBakari Mwamnyeto (vice-captain)(1995-10-05)5 October 1995(age 30)541Tanzania Football Federation Young Africans
152DFMohamed Husseini(1996-11-01)1 November 1996(age 29)651Tanzania Football Federation Young Africans
242DFMohamed Mussa(2004-04-29)29 April 2004(age 21)10Tanzania Football Federation Mashujaa
2DFIbrahim Hamad(1997-11-12)12 November 1997(age 28)371Tanzania Football Federation Young Africans
63MFFeisal Salum(1998-01-11)11 January 1998(age 28)625Tanzania Football Federation Azam
83MFCharles M'Mombwa(1998-03-14)14 March 1998(age 28)204Malta Football Association Floriana
123MFMorice Abraham(2003-08-13)13 August 2003(age 22)120Tanzania Football Federation Simba
163MFKelvin Nashon(2000-08-02)2 August 2000(age 25)20Tanzania Football Federation Pamba
173MFAlphonce Msanga(2003-06-14)14 June 2003(age 22)100Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Şamaxı
203MFNovatus Miroshi(2002-09-02)2 September 2002(age 23)374Turkish Football Federation Göztepe
233MFMudathir Yahya(1995-05-06)6 May 1995(age 30)412Tanzania Football Federation Young Africans
3MFYusuf Kagoma(1996-04-03)3 April 1996(age 30)90Tanzania Football Federation Simba
74FWIddy Seleman Nado(1995-11-03)3 November 1995(age 30)251Tanzania Football Federation Azam
94FWPaul Peter(2003-11-30)30 November 2003(age 22)41Tanzania Football Federation JKT Tanzania
104FWKelvin John(2003-06-10)10 June 2003(age 22)141Danish Football Association AaB
114FWTarryn Allarakhia(1997-11-17)17 November 1997(age 28)142The Football Association Rochdale
194FWSelemani Mwalimu(2006-01-19)19 January 2006(age 20)91Tanzania Football Federation Simba
224FWBakari Msimu(2007-12-10)10 December 2007(age 18)10Tanzania Football Federation Coastal Union
4FWSimon Msuva(1993-10-02)2 October 1993(age 32)10325Iraq Football Association Al-Talaba

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Tanzania in the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GKHussein Masalanga(1992-03-04)4 March 1992(age 34)30Tanzania Football Federation Singida Black Stars2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GKYakoub Suleiman Ali(1999-12-07)7 December 1999(age 26)130Tanzania Football Federation Simba2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GKAlly Salim(2000-04-19)19 April 2000(age 25)50Tanzania Football Federation Simbav. Morocco, 25 March 2025
DFPascal Msindo(2003-08-15)15 August 2003(age 22)180Tanzania Football Federation Azam2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFDickson Job(2000-12-29)29 December 2000(age 25)431Tanzania Football Federation Young Africans2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFWilson Nangu(2001-09-30)30 September 2001(age 24)20Tanzania Football Federation Simba2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFLusajo Mwaikenda(2000-10-27)27 October 2000(age 25)240Tanzania Football Federation Azam2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFShomari Kapombe(1992-01-28)28 January 1992(age 34)952Tanzania Football Federation Simba2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFIbrahim Ame(1993-03-12)12 March 1993(age 33)20Tanzania Football Federation Mashujaav. Morocco, 25 March 2025
DFMiraji Abdallah(2004-06-30)30 June 2004(age 21)00Tanzania Football Federation Coastal Unionv. Morocco, 25 March 2025
DFAbdulrazack Hamza(2003-03-23)23 March 2003(age 23)00Tanzania Football Federation Simbav. Morocco, 25 March 2025
MFKhalid Habibu(2001-09-10)10 September 2001(age 24)40Tanzania Football Federation Singida Black Stars2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWMbwana Samatta (captain)(1992-12-23)23 December 1992(age 33)8922French Football Federation Le Havre2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWKibu Denis(1998-12-04)4 December 1998(age 27)270Tanzania Football Federation Simba2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWAbdul Hamisi Suleiman(2001-02-26)26 February 2001(age 25)274Tanzania Football Federation Azam2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWClement Mzize(2004-01-07)7 January 2004(age 22)90Tanzania Football Federation Young Africansv. Morocco, 25 March 2025
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. PRE Preliminary squad. RET Player has retired from international football. SUS Suspended from the national team.

Player records

As of 4 January 2026

Players in bold are still active with Tanzania.

Most appearances

RankNameCapsGoalsCareer
1Erasto Nyoni10772006–2021
2Simon Msuva103252012–present
3Mrisho Ngassa100252006–2015
4Kelvin Yondani9702008–2021
5Shomari Kapombe9522011–present
6Mbwana Samatta89222011–present
7John Bocco84162009–2023
8Himid Mao8122013–present
9Juma Kaseja7902002–2021
10Aishi Manula6802015–present

Top goalscorers

RankNameGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1Mrisho Ngassa251000.252006–2015
Simon Msuva251030.242012–present
3Mbwana Samatta22890.252011–present
4John Bocco16840.192009–2023
5John Nteze Lungu12220.551992–2002
6Jerson Tegete8280.292006–2011
Danny Mrwanda8340.242005–2011
8Mohamed Rajab7200.352002–2011
Thomas Ulimwengu7510.142010–2021
Erasto Nyoni71070.072006–2021

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGAPldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1962Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1966 and 1970Did not enterDid not enter
West Germany 1974Did not qualify302114
Argentina 1978WithdrewWithdrew
Spain 1982Did not qualify411276
Mexico 1986202011
Italy 1990Did not enterDid not enter
United States 1994Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
France 1998Did not qualify201112
South Korea Japan 2002200224
Germany 2006201103
South Africa 2010622296
Brazil 201483051014
Russia 20184112410
Qatar 20228242810
Canada Mexico United States 2026831467
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total0/16491215224967

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGAPldWDLGFGA
as Tanganyikaas Tanganyika
Sudan 1957Not affiliated to CAFNot affiliated to CAF
United Arab Republic 1959
Ethiopia 1962
Ghana 1963
as Tanzaniaas Tanzania
Tunisia 1965Not affiliated to CAFNot affiliated to CAF
Ethiopia 1968Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
Sudan 1970Did not qualify4112310
Cameroon 1972201126
Egypt 1974412153
Ethiopia 1976201136
Ghana 1978Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
Nigeria 1980Group stage7th301236421184
Libya 1982WithdrewWithdrew
Ivory Coast 1984Did not qualify201134
Egypt 1986Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
Morocco 1988Did not qualify301236
Algeria 1990202022
Senegal 1992612347
Tunisia 1994Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
South Africa 1996Did not qualify104061415
Burkina Faso 1998612357
Ghana Nigeria 2000200202
Mali 2002200224
Tunisia 2004Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
Egypt 2006Did not qualify201103
Ghana 2008622247
Angola 2010222296
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012612369
South Africa 2013202022
Equatorial Guinea 2015412166
Gabon 2017401306
Egypt 2019Group stage24th300328622265
Cameroon 2021Did not qualify621356
Ivory Coast 2023Group stage22nd302114622234
Morocco 2025Round of 1616th402235631254
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027Qualified as co-hostsQualified as co-hosts
2029To be determinedTo be determined
TotalRound of 164/351305892399253242100134

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship recordQualification record
Appearances: 3Appearances: 7
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
Ivory Coast 2009Group stage5th3111226411104
Sudan 2011Did not qualify311172
South Africa 2014200214
Rwanda 2016201114
Morocco 2018202011
Cameroon 2020Group stage10th311134412122
Algeria 2022Did not qualify420235
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2024Quarter-finals8th531152Qualified as hosts
TotalQuarter-finals2/7622256238782522

African Games

African Games record
YearResultPldWDLGFGA
Nigeria 19737th300337
Total1/4300337

Gossage Cup / CECAFA Cup

Honours

Regional

Friendly

  • Gossage Cup / Challenge Cup (5): 1949, 1950, 1951, 1964, 1965

Notes

  • s Shared titles.

External links