TAIFA Stars interim head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has expressed his satisfaction with the progress of his team as they prepare for two pivotal back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against DR Congo.

Tanzania’s national football team is aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament, set to take place in Morocco next year.

The first leg of the qualifiers will see Taifa Stars face DR Congo in Kinshasa tomorrow, with the return leg scheduled for October 15 at Tanzania’s iconic Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. These matches are crucial for both teams as they compete for valuable points to secure qualification for the AFCON finals.

With four points from their first two matches, Taifa Stars are in a promising position in Group H. To secure a place in the AFCON finals, Tanzania will need at least two wins from their remaining four qualifiers. Success in both upcoming matches against DR Congo would greatly boost their chances of progressing.

Coach Morocco acknowledged the challenge posed by DR Congo, noting the team's strong form in recent games. However, he remains confident in Taifa Stars' preparation and progress.

“Our main focus is on the next two games against DR Congo. We know these matches will be tense due to the quality and consistency of our opponents. They are a tough team, but I am confident in the progress of our players,” Morocco said during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam. “The players are working hard, and that gives me great confidence.”

Morocco praised his players for their dedication during training sessions, highlighting the positive response to tactical and physical drills. The coach emphasized that the mission is to secure early qualification for AFCON, making these consecutive matches against DR Congo vital to the team’s plans.

“We respect DR Congo - they have talented players - but we also have a strong mix of young and experienced players who can compete with any team,” Morocco added.

Taifa Stars defender Mohamed Hussein echoed his coach’s confidence, stating that the team is in good shape and focused on the task ahead.

“We are progressing well, and so far, there are no major issues in our camp. We are concentrating on the two big games, and with the support of Tanzanians, I am sure we will succeed,” Hussein said.

Tanzania’s quest for a fourth AFCON qualification is bolstered by the fact that three of their remaining four group stage matches will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. This home advantage, coupled with strong fan support, provides a significant boost for Taifa Stars.

Currently, Taifa Stars sit in second place in Group H with four points, while DR Congo leads the group with six points after winning both of their opening matches. The top two teams from the group will secure direct qualification to the AFCON finals, making these upcoming games critical for Tanzania.

Coach Morocco has assembled a well-balanced squad that blends youthful energy with the experience of seasoned veterans. This combination has proven effective so far, and the coach hopes it will continue to bring success.

“DR Congo has very talented players, but we also have a team that is more than capable of competing at this level,” Morocco emphasized. “Our team is improving every day, and I believe we can get the results we need.”

As the countdown to tomorrow’s showdown in Kinshasa continues, all eyes are on Taifa Stars to see how they perform under pressure. A positive result away from home could set the stage for a triumphant return to Dar es Salaam and move Tanzania one step closer to their AFCON qualification dream.

For now, the focus remains on preparing for two crucial matches that could shape the future of Tanzanian football on the continental stage.