AFCON 2025:Tanzania release 53-man provisional squad as clash with Nigeria looms

Nigeria’s Group C rivals, Tanzania, have announced their provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with head coach Miguel Gamondi unveiling a 53-man list as preparations ramp up for the continental tournament.

Gamondi’s squad size mirrors that of Nigeria, after Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle released a 54-man provisional list on Tuesday ahead of the final shortlist expected soon.

The Taifa Stars’ selection is dominated by home-based players, with 39 of the 53 currently playing in the Tanzanian league. Azam FC lead the call-ups with 10 players, while reigning champions Young Africans and rivals Simba SC contribute seven each. Singida Black Stars also have five representatives.

A number of foreign-based players have been included to provide depth and added quality. Among them is 20-year-old Cyprian Kachwele, who has impressed for Vancouver Whitecaps II in MLS Next Pro, registering 11 goal involvements in 19 matches this season.

Forward Kelvin John, 22, also earns a spot after tallying 12 goal contributions in 21 appearances for Danish club AaB. They join experienced striker Mbwana Samatta, who features in France’s Ligue 1 with Le Havre.

Tanzania will kick off their AFCON campaign with a crucial matchup against Nigeria on December 23, followed by games against Uganda on December 27 and Tunisia on December 30, as they pursue a historic first-ever appearance in the knockout stages.

The Taifa Stars have participated in the tournament three times (1980, 2019, 2023) but have yet to advance beyond the group phase. Their last AFCON meeting with Nigeria came in 1980, where they fell 3–1 to the eventual champions and finished bottom of the group with just one point.

Their most recent outing in 2023 was statistically their best, earning draws against Zambia and DR Congo after an opening defeat to Morocco. With the 2025 AFCON set for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, Gamondi’s squad will be eager to finally rewrite history.

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