TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know the Coach: Hemed Suleiman 'Morocco' Ali (Tanzania)
Hemed Suleiman Ali, popularly known as "Morocco," has been a steady presence in Tanzanian football for over a decade.
At 54 years old, the experienced coach has built a reputation for guiding young talent and making tactical adjustments under pressure.
Appointed in 2024 as the head coach of Tanzania's senior national team, Morocco is determined to create history by leading the Taifa Stars past the group stages for the first time in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Hemed Morocco's football journey has been closely tied to the development of Tanzanian football, having served as assistant to Adel Amrouche from March 2023 to January 2024.
He also doubles as the head coach of the Tanzania U20 team, a position where he has played a crucial role in nurturing future stars.
Profile
Name: Hemed Suleiman Ali "Morocco"
Nationality: Tanzania
Age: 54 years
Current Team: Tanzania
Tenure: 2024
Coaching Style
Morocco is known for his preference for attacking football, often employing a 4-2-3-1 formation. While his style emphasizes pressing and creativity, it is balanced with a structured defensive approach, reflecting his ability to adapt to the demands of international tournaments.
Career Highlights
Hemed Morocco stepped into the senior team’s coaching role under challenging circumstances during the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. After a tough 3-0 opening loss to Morocco, he was appointed interim head coach. Under his guidance, Tanzania displayed resilience, avoiding defeat in their remaining group matches. His leadership was instrumental in securing Tanzania's qualification for the 2025 edition of the AFCON, further cementing his reputation as a trusted leader.
Beyond his senior team duties, Morocco has been a fixture in Tanzanian football, having served as the head coach of Zanzibar since 2014. His extensive experience in grassroots football is evident in his ability to identify and develop talent.
AFCON Experience
Hemed Morocco’s debut at the AFCON in Morocco as head coach comes with lessons learned from his 2023 stint as an assistant and interim coach. His tactical acumen and adaptability will be tested as he seeks to inspire his players and set new milestones for Tanzanian football.
Fun Facts
- Hemed Morocco has been coaching Zanzibar’s team since 2014, highlighting his deep connection to East African football.
- He is one of the few Tanzanian coaches to have managed both senior and youth teams simultaneously, showcasing his versatility.
Conclusion
Hemed Morocco heads to the 2025 TotalEnergies AFCON in Morocco with the ambition of breaking barriers and guiding Tanzania to unprecedented success.
His combination of tactical expertise and motivational leadership will be key as the Taifa Stars aim to make a historic breakthrough in the tournament.