THE STAGE IS set, the excitement is electric, and the home crowd is ready. Tanzania’s national football team, Taifa Stars, play Morocco on Friday night in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (Chan) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The highly anticipated match kicks off at 8pm, and promises to be a night of high drama and passion. All eyes will be on home team Taifa Stars as they aim to defy the odds and secure a memorable victory against one of Africa’s football powerhouses Morocco.
istory tilts heavily in Morocco’s favour in the match. In seven past meetings, they have beaten Tanzania six times, with the Taifa Stars claiming victory only once. Yet football thrives on moments that defy history—and tonight offers such an opportunity.
Taifa Stars have been impressive in this tournament, topping Group ‘B’ with an unbeaten run of three wins and one draw. Morocco, meanwhile, advanced from Group ‘A’ after finishing second behind co-hosts Kenya. Morocco won three games and lost one, falling 1-0 to Kenya.
That contrast has fuelled belief among Tanzanian fans that this could finally be the moment to turn the tide.
With the roar of the home crowd behind them, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will be fighting not just for a place in the semifinals, but also for national pride.
Head coach Hemed Suleiman has left no doubt about his plans for the match. He stressed the importance of striking the right balance—pushing forward with intent while staying disciplined at the back.
“We are ready for the match; this is our time to prove our worth at home,” Suleiman said on Thursday.
“We have sharpened our striking force to make use of every chance, but we must also defend with everything we have because Morocco is a very strong side.”
The mission, he made clear, is simple: win and advance.
Senior member of the squad Shomari Kapombe echoed his coach’s sentiments, and emphasised unity, spirit, and the weight of national expectation.
“We are in high spirits ahead of the match. My call to Tanzanians is to come out in numbers and support us. We are playing for the pride of our country, and we promise to give everything,” said Kapombe.
The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is expected to be a cauldron of noise, colour, and passion. In previous matches, fans have sung, beaten drums, and waved the national flag in unison, creating the kind of atmosphere that can lift a team to extraordinary heights. For the Taifa Stars, the home advantage could make all the difference tonight.
Morocco’s head coach, Tarik Sektioui, acknowledged the challenge that awaits his team in the quarterfinals against Tanzania, but remains focused on the task at hand.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Sektioui emphasized that his primary objective is simple yet demanding: - to secure victory and guide Morocco into the semifinals of 2024 Chan.
He tinted the quality and capability of his squad, noting that every player on the team possesses the talent, experience, and determination needed to overcome tough opposition.
“Our main goal is to qualify for the next round, and that means winning against Tanzania,” he said.
Sektioui stressed that while Tanzania has been impressive in the tournament so far, Morocco is fully prepared to face Taifa Stars, and to exploit opportunities when they arise.
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