Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi has named a 24-player Taifa Stars squad for November’s two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Nigeria, with new call-ups Abdallah Hamisi and Evastus Lukanima included.
Key takeaways
- Tanzania will face Nigeria in Uyo on November 13 before hosting the reverse match four days later.
- Taifa Stars are set to assemble for camp on November 8 ahead of their trip to Nigeria.
- Young Africans defender Dickson Job, Truro City midfielder Ben Starkie and forward Clement Mzize are back in the national setup.
- Tanzania have already booked their place at the 2027 AFCON as joint hosts with Kenya and Uganda.
- The November fixtures will give Gamondi a chance to examine his options before the finals.
Squad blends local and overseas options
Gamondi’s group features a mix of players competing in Tanzania’s domestic league and professionals based abroad. Hamisi, who plays for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, has earned a place among the goalkeepers, while Kagera Sugar defender Lukanima is another fresh inclusion.
Job has returned after his spell out of the squad, joined by Starkie of English club Truro City and Young Africans striker Mzize.
The first meeting with Nigeria will be staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13. The teams will meet again in Tanzania on November 17.
Although the Taifa Stars do not need to qualify for the 2027 finals because Tanzania will co-host the tournament with Kenya and Uganda, the games remain valuable preparation as Gamondi begins shaping his plans for the competition.
Tanzania squad for Nigeria matches
Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula (Azam FC), Zuberi Foba (Azam FC), Abdallah Hamisi (Al Ain, UAE).
Defenders: Evastus Lukanima (Kagera Sugar), Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Dickson Job (Young Africans), Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Haji Mnoga (Patro Eisden), Abdul Hamisi (Azam FC), Anthony Mligo (Simba SC), Nathaniel Chilambo (Simba SC).
Midfielders: Alphonse Mabula (JS Kabylie), Himid Mao (Azam FC), Novatus Miroshi (Göztepe), Ben Starkie (Truro City), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Sheikhan Khamis (Singida Black Stars).
Forwards: Abdul Sopu, Simon Msuva (Newroz SC), Kibu Denis (Al Nasr), Charles M’Mombwa (Zabbar), Cyprian Kachwele (Kryvbas), Selemani Mwalimu (Young Africans), Clement Mzize (Young Africans), Bernard Kamungo (FC Dallas).
