Taifa Stars jet off to Cairo ahead of CHAN 2024 opener in Dar
Taifa Stars players during the past training session. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Tanzania has been drawn into a challenging Group B, with their campaign opening in a blockbuster clash against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s senior national football team, Taifa Stars, departed on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, for a high-intensity training camp in Cairo, Egypt, as part of their final preparations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The tournament is set to kick off on August 2, with Tanzania Mainland playing a prominent role as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Kenya.
Under the leadership of head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman, the Taifa Stars will use the Cairo camp to refine their tactics, build team chemistry, and adjust to competitive match conditions.
Tanzania has been drawn into a challenging Group B, with their campaign opening in a blockbuster clash against Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. This high-stakes encounter will also serve as the official opening match of the tournament.
Coach Suleiman has announced a 30-man squad, composed entirely of home-based players, in line with CHAN’s eligibility rules. The squad boasts a balanced blend of experience and youth, largely drawn from local powerhouses Simba SC, Young Africans (Yanga SC), Azam FC, and other Premier League clubs.
Strong squad across all departments Between the posts, Taifa Stars will rely on the seasoned Aishi Manula (Simba SC), supported by Hussein Masalanga (Singida Big Stars) and Yakoub Suleiman (JKT Tanzania), forming a dependable goalkeeping trio.
The defensive line features a wealth of talent, including Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, and Yusuph Kagoma from Simba SC. The list also includes Lusajo Mwaikenda, Paschal Msindo, and Nassor Saadun of Azam FC, alongside Wilson Nangu (JKT Tanzania), Lameck Lawi (Coastal Union), and rising star Vedastus Masinde from the U20 Ngorongoro Heroes/TMA setup.
In midfield, the Stars will benefit from the creativity and power of Dickson Job, Mudathir Yahya, and Clement Mzize of Young Africans. Notably, Kibu Dennis will miss the tournament as he is currently abroad. The next generation is also represented, with Ahmed Pipino, Jammy Simba, Sheikhan Khamis, and Mishano Michael from the U20 squad, with Pipino and Jammy currently playing for KMC FC.
Other are Ibrahim Hamad (Yanga), Iddy Selemani and Feisal Salum from Azam FC, Sabry Kondo (Coastal Union), and the consistent Abdulrazack Mohamed (Simba SC). The list also includes Ibrahim Hamad (Tabora United), joined by Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC), who will be tasked with breaking through the continent's toughest defenses.
