“We’ll keep our identity” — Tanzania coach Hemed Suleiman on facing Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda

Tanzania return to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in December in Morocco with composure and clarity, drawn into a compelling Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and neighbours Uganda. The Taifa Stars have spent the past year rebuilding habits and sharpening detail, guided by head coach Hemed “Morocco” Suleiman. 

His message is simple: preparation, balance and belief. With domestic heavyweights Simba SC, Young Africans and Azam FC raising the standard at club level, Suleiman says the national team now carries greater intensity and resilience into tournament football. 

Set-plays, transitions and game management are priority areas as Tanzania aim to be competitive in every minute. 

And with East Africa set to co-host AFCON 2027, the work in Morocco is as much about the present as it is about building a durable competitive identity. 

CAFOnline.com : You emphasised that your AFCON preparation is more structured this time. How so?

Hemed « Morocco » Suleiman : We have taken lessons from 2019 and 2023 and applied them in training, match planning and selection. Our teams are more competitive and intense. Clubs like Simba, Young Africans and Azam playing regularly at continental level help raise standards. We’ve invested more in sports science, nutrition and recovery, as well as psychological resilience. The aim is that when we arrive in Morocco, we are sharp, focused and well balanced — ready for even a stiff test.

What specific targets have you set for points, clean sheets or wins?

We want to aim for at least four points — that often makes one competitive for the knockout phase. Defensive solidity is central: clean sheets will be a benchmark of success. Offensively, we want to convert more of our chances. We have worked hard on transitions and set pieces because those margins often decide tight games. Consistency and discipline will be key.

You are in a tricky group that includes Nigeria Tunisia and Uganda. Each opponent presents a distinct challenge — how will you approach them?

Nigeria is full of attacking talent and lethal creativity. They punish lapses in concentration. Tunisia is tactically disciplined and difficult to break down, a team that tests your patience. Uganda brings possession-based hunger and fight; their regional rivalry makes that fixture special. We will tailor our approach per game, but without losing our own identity.

Among form, experience or balance, which matters most in selection?

Balance is the guiding principle. Experience matters for game control and decision making, but you must blend it with youth, energy, flair and discipline. Our philosophy is collective performance over individual glory. Selection must reflect that balance, ensuring we are competitive now and building for the future.

How valuable is Mbwana Samatta to the squad?

Samatta is more than a striker — he’s a leader. His experience in European leagues adds composure under pressure and confidence for younger players. Off the ball, in the locker room and bridging staff and squad, his professionalism and humility raise standards. Having him in the team automatically lifts expectations and focus.

What have Tanzania learned from 2019 and 2023?

In 2019, we learned the importance of preparation and mental strength — a tournament can overwhelm if you aren’t ready. In 2023, we learned that fine margins, discipline and depth matter. We now emphasise consistency, defensive shape and converting chances. Squad depth is non-negotiable for tournament survival. This time, we enter AFCON as a more hardened, better-prepared side.

How important will the Tanzanian supporters be in Morocco?

The fans are everything. Their songs, colours, energy, presence — they create a sense of home even in foreign stadiums. Knowing millions are watching back home gives our players extra purpose. We owe them effort, pride and moments to celebrate.

You often stress set pieces — how confident are you in that area?

Very. In tight tournaments, set pieces often decide matches. We have worked variations in delivery and defended them intensively. Some of our players are already used to high-pressure set-piece scenarios from club play. We aim to balance surprise with structure. It’s an area we believe can give us an edge.

If Tanzania reaches the knockout stages, what’s next?

Reaching knockouts would be a historic milestone. But it’s not the end — we would aim for a quarter-final showing, and continue building towards AFCON 2027 (when we co-host). Each round we pass strengthens our experience, raises expectation, and reinforces our long-term ambition: not just to qualify, but to compete consistently at this level.

Which nations do you see as strong candidates in AFCON 2025?

There are many. Nigeria and Senegal have premier African-calibre squads, many playing in top European leagues. Morocco, as host, have organisation, belief, and quality. Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria all carry depth and experience. That said, AFCON is unpredictable — the favourites are strong, but surprises happen.

What promise do you make to those supporting you back home?

I promise you a team that plays with heart, unity and pride. We will fight for every ball, respect the jersey and leave everything on the pitch. We are aware of the pressure and the love behind us — we won’t back down. This squad has dignity, passion and purpose. We aim to represent Tanzania with everything we have.