2023 AFCON
Captain Samatta joins Taifa Stars camp in Egypt ahead of AFCON
The Taifa Stars squad camping in Cairo, Egypt has been boosted by the arrival of skipper Mbwana Samatta.
Samatta who plies his trade with Paok Salonika in Greece arrived on Thursday ahead of the team’s first friendly match against Egypt slated for January 7th, 2024.
The Tanzanian team under the watchful eyes of coach Adel Amrouche are preparing ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 slated for January 13th to February 11th in Cote d’Ivoire. Taifa Stars are placed in Group F alongside Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia.
Upon arrival Samatta made it clear that they have to prepare well because anything is possible in the AFCON. “We are certainly going to challenge and give a good account in Cote d’Ivoire,” added Samatta.
Few days ago the coach Amrouche also made it clear that the team has to work hard because their aim is to win matches and not draw or suffer defeat. “I have all confidence in my players. We shall give everything as coaches, players and supporters for Tanzania,” added the coach.
Tanzania will carry the CECAFA flag since they are the only team that qualified to play at the AFCON 2023.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Kwesi Kawawa, Beno Kakolanya, Metacha Mnata, Aishi Manula
Defenders: Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Hamad, Haji Mnoga, Abdi Banda, Novatus Dismas, Dickson Job, Lusajo Mwaikenda, Mohamed Husein, Abdulmalik Zakaria, Miano Danilo
Midfielders: Himid Mao, Feisal Salum, Twariq Abdillahi, Morice Abraham, Mzamiru Yassin, Kibu Dennis, Tarryn Allarakhia, Mudathiri Yahya, Sospeter Bajana, Khleffin Hamdoun, Mohammed Omar
Forwards: Cyprian Kachwele, Ben Starkie, Abdul Suleiman, Mbwana Samatta, Charles M’mombwa, Simon Msuva