Samatta to Nigeria: ‘We’re Ready to Make History at AFCON 2025’

Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta has voiced unwavering confidence ahead of Tanzania’s campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, declaring the team fully prepared to compete despite being drawn into one of the tournament’s most formidable groups.

Group C features African giants Nigeria and Tunisia, along with regional rivals Uganda, a lineup that has led many observers to label it the ‘group of death.’ Yet Samatta sees the challenge not as a burden but as a golden opportunity to prove Tanzania’s mettle on the continental stage.

Tanzania will kick off their Afcon journey against Nigeria at the Fez Stadium, with the match scheduled for 6:30pm. The opening clash is expected to be a stern test for the Taifa Stars, facing one of Africa’s most decorated football sides.

Samatta acknowledged the quality and pedigree of their opponents but emphasized that such challenges are part of competing at Africa’s elite level.

‘Many football fans say we are in a very tough group, and that is true. But if you want to achieve something meaningful at Afcon, you must be ready to face strong teams. There are no easy matches at this level,’ Samatta was quoted as saying by Tanzania newspaper, The Citizen.

Samatta praised the technical bench led by head coach Miguel Gamondi, highlighting the team’s intense preparations focused on tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and teamwork.

‘The coaches are giving us the best possible guidance. Everything we are doing in training is aimed at ensuring we are ready when we step onto the pitch. We are following instructions, working hard and pushing ourselves because we want to perform well.’

Beyond tactical readiness, Samatta underscored the team’s ambition to make a lasting impression at the tournament, describing Afcon as a chance to write a new chapter in Tanzanian football history

‘We are determined to make history. We know what this tournament means to the nation, and we want to give our best in every match,’ he added and called on Tanzanians at home and abroad to rally behind the team, stressing that national support could play a crucial role in boosting player confidence.

‘We ask all Tanzanians to support us, pray for us and stand with us. We are representing the country in the biggest football tournament in Africa, and together we can achieve something special,’ Samatta said.