TANZANIA will be playing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the fourth time when they take part in the 2025 edition, which will start in Morocco on December 21st.
AP / Themba Hadebe
Tanzania has only taken part in three AFCON tournaments so far: in 1980, 2019, and 2023.
After making their first appearance in 1980, Tanzania had to wait almost 40 years before they qualified again for the 2019 tournament in Egypt.
In 2023, Tanzania didn't go beyond the group stage, finishing fourth in their group which included teams like Morocco, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.
Known as the 'Taifa Stars', Tanzania lost their opening match 3-0 to Morocco, drew 1-1 with Zambia, and ended the group stage with a 0-0 draw against the D.R. Congo team.
Even though they didn't progress past the group stage, the Taifa Stars set a new record for the most points they've ever earned in an AFCON tournament.
How did Tanzania qualify for AFCON 2025?
With coach Suleiman Hemed leading the team, Tanzania qualified for the Morocco tournament by finishing second in a tough group that also had the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Ethiopia.
Their final match in the group stage, which confirmed their qualification, was against Guinea.
They won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Simon Msuva. This important win allowed the Taifa Stars to finish second in the group behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo.