Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, is gearing up for the AFCON 2027 qualification journey as the tournament will be hosted across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The qualification process begins in 2025, with the team aiming to build on their recent back-to-back qualifications in 2023 and 2025, driven by a desire to shine on home soil. Fans across the country are hopeful, especially after the team’s historic return to the tournament in 2019 after a 39-year absence.
Qualification Journey Ahead
The Taifa Stars face a challenging path to qualify for AFCON 2027, scheduled for mid-2027. As co-hosts, Tanzania automatically secures a spot, but the team is determined to use the qualification matches to strengthen their squad and prepare for a strong showing. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will announce the qualification groups by late 2025, with matches likely starting in March 2026.
Key players to watch include:
- Mbwana Ally Samatta – Striker with international experience.
- Simon Msuva – Goal scorer in the 2025 qualification.
- Feisal Salum – Midfield talent from Young Africans.
The team’s recent success, including a 1-0 win over Guinea on November 19, 2024, to qualify for AFCON 2025, boosts their confidence. Historical context shows Tanzania qualified in 1980, 2019, 2023, and 2025, marking progress since their first appearance in 1980.
Expert Insights and Preparation
As of June 11, 2025, the Taifa Stars are training at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, focusing on fitness and tactics. Coach Hemed Suleiman, who led the team to the 2025 qualification, is optimistic. He said, “We are proud of our recent achievements and are working hard to make AFCON 2027 a success on home soil.”
Football analyst Juma Mkuya added, “The team’s momentum from 2025 gives them a solid base, but they must address defensive weaknesses to compete with top African sides.” The joint hosting with Kenya and Uganda, confirmed on September 27, 2023, adds pressure to perform, with infrastructure upgrades underway at key venues.
Here’s a look at past AFCON qualifications:
| Year | Qualification Result | Key Match | Notable Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Qualified | vs. Egypt | Juma Ally |
| 2019 | Qualified | vs. Uganda | Samatta |
| 2023 | Qualified | vs. Algeria | Msuva |
| 2025 | Qualified | vs. Guinea | Msuva |
Context and Expectations
Tanzania’s football federation is investing in youth development, with the Ngorongoro Heroes (Under-20 team) shining in 2024. The 2027 tournament, hosted under the “Pamoja Bid,” will feature 24 teams, offering Tanzania a chance to advance beyond the group stage for the first time. Fans recall the 2023 elimination after a 0-0 draw with DR Congo, highlighting the need for consistency.
The team’s preparation includes friendly matches, with a planned game against South Africa on July 15, 2025. This build-up is crucial as Tanzania aims to inspire the nation and leverage home advantage.
Looking to the Future
The Taifa Stars are poised to use the 2025-2026 qualification phase to refine their strategy for AFCON 2027. With strong community support and ongoing improvements, the team could make history by progressing deep into the tournament on home ground.
