TANZANIA are in need of three points when they take on Ethiopia in their penultimate 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers group fixture this evening.

A glance down the squad list announced by coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman for the crucial game reveals selection conundrum given the fresh additions to the list.

Restored to the group are Iraq-based Simon Msuva, Turkey-based midfielder Novatus Dismas and Iddy ‘Nado’ Selemani of Azam.

Also, returning to the squad are the Simba duo of Shomari Kapombe and Aishi Manula. Then there is striker Ismail Mgunda of Mashujaa and Nassoro Saadun of Azam who have been called up for the first time.

They join the likes of Mbwana Samatta (pictured), Clement Mzize, Kibu Denis, Ibrahim Bacca, Feisal Salum, Mohamed Hussein who all featured in last month’s losses against DR Congo. 

So, what combination of those players should coach Morocco thrust together for the games in Kinshasa today?

Morocco and his assistants have to work out how they fit all the talent into the team to obtain positive results. 

Here's the team Morocco could pick to face the Walia Ibex at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

GK: Aishi Manula

The Simba goalkeeper has barely played this year but rarely lets his country down. He'll likely start today despite the lack of playing time at Simba given the lack of serious competition.

RB: Shomari Kapombe

The veteran full-back earned the most recent of his international caps when he featured for Taifa Stars against Uganda in an AFCON qualifier back in March 2023.

A combination of injury problems and fluctuating form has seen Kapombe left out ever since by the suspended Adel Amrouche and his successor Morocco, but a return to form for Simba this season has now been recognised.

While Lusajo Mwaikenda has played well for both club and country, coach Morocco may opt for Kapombe’s experience today.

CB: Ibrahim Hamad

The Young Africans defender was one of the standout Tanzania players at AFCON 2024 finals and remains the Taifa Stars' best centre-back when in full flight.

CB: Dickson Job

Another Young Africans defender who keeps his spot - there's no question about that. He'll also benefit from having a familiar face playing beside him on the pitch.

LB: Mohamed Hussein

The Simba full-back is one of the experienced players in the squad and is a shoo-in to remain in the starting XI.

CM: Novatus Dismas 

Tanzania are certainly more porous with Novatus in midfield but the Turkey-based utility player is such a natural in possession.

He offers routes of progression and plenty of youthful guile. His energy in the middle of the park will be critical to disrupting the Ethiopia' rhythm, too.

CM: Mudathir Yahya

His industry and athleticism may be required in Kinshasa.

CM: Feisal Salum

Feitoto is capable in a deeper position, but he's performed at his best for the past two seasons in an advanced role. The Azam midfielder scored against Guinea and coach Morocco will hope he can repeat his magic in front of goal.

RW: Mbwana Samatta 

Tanzania's skipper faced his fair share of criticism in recent years but remains integral for his country.

LW: Simon Msuva

Even in his sunset years, Tanzanian fans will always harbour hope that their Msuva can produce the big moment. 

No one has scored more goals for Taifa Stars in the last five years than the former Wydad and Young Africans forward.

ST: Clement Mzize 

It has been a hit-and-miss (mainly miss) display for Mzize in his short Taifa Stars career so far. An own goal away to DR Congo was followed by a much-improved performance in the reverse fixture but much more is expected this time.

With Taifa Stars needing pace and energy which Msuva and Samatta lack, coach Morocco may be tempted to stick with Mzize against Ethiopia.