AFCON 2025: Tanzania opens training camp in Egypt

The Taifa Stars of Tanzania have officially begun their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the opening of a training camp in Egypt, which signals a focused build-up ahead of the continental competition in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Under new Argentine coach Pablo Gamondi, Tanzania’s squad will use the Egyptian camp to enhance physical conditioning, refine tactical strategies, and foster team cohesion before flying directly to Morocco for the tournament.

The East African side aims to arrive in peak condition, both physically and mentally, to face the challenges of Group A, which also features Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Uganda.

Tanzania’s AFCON campaign will begin against Nigeria on December 23 in Fez, followed by fixtures against Uganda on December 27 and Tunisia on December 30.

The early training camp in Egypt offers an opportunity to acclimatise to conditions similar to those expected in Morocco, ensuring the players are prepared for the intensity of the tournament.

The preparation mirrors the approach of Group C rivals Nigeria, whose Super Eagles will also open their training camp in Egypt ahead of AFCON 2025.

Nigeria’s camp, scheduled to begin on December 10, includes a friendly against the Egyptian national team on December 14, allowing both teams to adapt to North African conditions before the tournament kick-off.

Tanzania’s qualification for AFCON 2025 marks only their fourth appearance at the tournament, following participations in 1980, 2019, and 2023. After their debut in 1980, the nation had to wait 39 years for another opportunity to feature on Africa’s biggest stage.

Despite limited success in previous editions, including failing to advance from the group stage in 2023, the team has consistently shown progress, achieving its highest-ever points total during the last tournament.

Gamondi, who replaced Hemed Suleiman as head coach, has assembled a squad blending domestic talent and international experience.

Captain and lead striker Mbwana Samatta, currently at Ligue 1 side Le Havre, will spearhead the attack. Veteran forward Simon Msuva of Iraq’s Al-Talaba SC has also been included, alongside defender Haji Ali Mnoga, who plies his trade with Salford City in England’s EFL League Two. Mnoga, who previously represented England at U17 level, made his senior debut for Tanzania in March 2022 and played all three group-stage matches at AFCON 2023.

The squad also features several locally based players, including Hussein Masalanga, Yakoub Suleiman, Yona Amosi, Zuberi Foba, Iddi Selemani, Ibrahim Abduallah, Dickson Job, Feisal Salum, Ahmed Pipino, and Abdul Suleiman, reflecting Gamondi’s emphasis on integrating homegrown talent into the national setup.