TANZANIA national team (Taifa Stars) interim head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has confirmed a clean bill of health for his squad ahead of the Group H AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia on September 4 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Coach Morocco also urged fans to show up in large numbers to support the national team in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

After their match against Ethiopia, Taifa Stars will face Guinea on September 10 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

"According to our medical staff, all players are in good condition and are adapting well to our training regimen. This isn't new for us; our players are familiar with our approach, as some have participated in previous AFCON tournaments while others are pushing for their first appearance. 

“I am optimistic that under our methods, we can create a strong team. We have been training since Thursday and are making steady progress. Recognizing the significance of this match, we urge fans to come out in large numbers to support the team," said the coach.

Under Morocco's guidance, Taifa Stars have selected a squad predominantly composed of locally-based players. Experienced players Mbwana Samatta and Simon Msuva are absent, with Msuva currently finalizing a club move. 

Notably, defender Dickson Job, who was dropped during the World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, has been reinstated to the 23-man squad.

Additionally, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) spokesman Clifford Ndimbo has called on Tanzanian football enthusiasts to fill the stadium on September 4 to cheer on the team as they aim to qualify for their fourth AFCON tournament.

Ndimbo announced that all players would arrive in camp later yesterday following their club commitments. He emphasized the significance of the match, urging fans to rally behind the team and provide unwavering support.

"All players summoned to the squad have arrived, except for the Young Africans players who were still involved in the Premier League. We expect their arrival today, along with any players based abroad. 

“We are gearing up for crucial matches against Guinea and Ethiopia, just four days apart. We'll host Ethiopia on September 4 and then travel to Guinea on September 10. We're hoping for strong fan support to create a vibrant atmosphere," he said.

The official reiterated that Tanzania's qualification for the 2027 AFCON underscores the importance of participating in the 2025 tournament as a crucial stepping stone toward a successful campaign in 2027.

"Our goal is to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, just as we did in 2023. Success in 2025 is essential for our continued participation in the tournament, including the 2027 edition. 

“Ticket sales for the upcoming matches have begun. Prices are 2,000/- and 5,000/- for VIP B and C, while VIP A tickets will be distributed to invited guests and VVIPs. We encourage Tanzanians to come out in force and support our team," said Ndimbo.

Taifa Stars' previous appearances in AFCON were at the 1980 edition held in Lagos, Nigeria, and the 2019 AFCON held in Egypt. Their last campaign was in Ivory Coast in the 2023 edition. 

Morocco’s charges will be vying for their fourth campaign next year, while Tanzania has automatically qualified for the 2027 edition as joint hosts with Uganda and Kenya.

The 2025 AFCON finals are scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 28, 2026.