Tanzania men’s national team, head Coach Hemed Suleiman, is satisfied with the team’s progression at the ongoing African Nations Championship.
The Taifa Stars closed their group outing with a goalless draw against the Central African Republic but still finished top of the group.
Tanzania managed to record three straight wins and one draw from four matches.
Speaking to CAF online in an exclusive interview, Suleiman acknowledged the team’s success at the tournament.
“It’s wonderful and incredible to achieve this feat at CHAN, especially after the sacrifices. Nothing was easy; the entire coaching staff and players made a huge effort. This is a historic first for Tanzania in a major African competition,” he said.
“Nobody believed we would go this far. I fought hard for these moments; I worked tirelessly, day and night. I’m the only one who believed in our ability to get out of the group stages,” he added.
“When I took over, the team was in ruins. We rebuilt everything from the ground up. At first the team played very simply. Today, the players understand my expectations and are implementing my game plan perfectly,” explained the coach.
He believes the Taifa Stars are ready for their quarterfinal clash.
“We respect them, but we are not afraid. I know the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be full, because the Tanzanian people believe in their team,” concluded the coach.
Tournament hosts will face Morocco in the knockout stages of the competition, on 22nd August, 2025 seeking to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
