TANZANIA’s national football team, Taifa Stars, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group H qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday.

The match, held at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa, was tightly contested, leaving the Tanzanian side with a crucial task ahead as they prepare for the second leg.

Taifa Stars head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in his post-match interview, emphasizing the need to refocus and improve before the upcoming fixture. 

“We lost due to a lapse in concentration. The goal we conceded could have been avoided, but we must now shift our mindset to the next game,” he said. 

“We have three days of preparation before facing them again, and I’m confident we will put in a stronger performance for the entire 90 minutes.”

Despite the setback, Coach Morocco remained optimistic about the team's chances in the home leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. 

“We still have a good opportunity to win at home and improve our position in the group,” he added. 

“The technical mistakes today cost us, especially in attack, but we will work on sharpening our play in the final third.”

The match unfolded like a tactical battle, with Tanzania opting for a defensive approach while DRC dominated possession and pressed forward in search of control. 

From the opening whistle, DRC launched a series of probing attacks against a well-organized Taifa Stars defense. Despite their commanding play, DRC was unable to convert their chances in the first half.

Tanzania’s strategy was clear: absorb pressure and strike on the counter. In the 17th minute, DRC nearly broke the deadlock when Samuel Essende latched onto a pass from Théo Bongonda. 

Essende’s powerful shot seemed destined for the back of the net, but Taifa Stars goalkeeper Ally Salim made a crucial save to keep the scoreline level.

Tanzania’s best chance in the first half came in the 36th minute. Team captain Mbwana Samatta unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but the ball narrowly missed the target, skimming just past the post and sending a wave of anticipation through the stadium.

The first half ended goalless, but the intensity on the field hinted that either side could produce a game-changing moment in the second period.

As the second half began, DRC returned with renewed energy and pressed high, testing Tanzania’s defense. 

The breakthrough came early in the half when DRC won a corner. The ball was delivered into Tanzania’s penalty area with precision, and in a stroke of bad luck for Taifa Stars, Tanzanian forward Clement Mzize misjudged the ball’s flight, deflecting it into his own net. 

Goalkeeper Salim, caught off guard, had no chance to prevent the unfortunate own goal.

The crowd at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium erupted in celebration, as DRC took the lead. For Taifa Stars, the own goal was a bitter blow, shifting the momentum in favor of the home team.

DRC’s confidence surged following the goal, with Bongonda becoming a constant threat on the wings. 

Bongonda’s quick feet and dribbling ability caused problems for Tanzania’s defense, and he created several dangerous opportunities for his team.

In the 80th minute, DRC almost doubled their lead when Arthur Masuaku fired a powerful free-kick from just outside the box. 

The shot crashed against the crossbar, leaving the stadium in stunned silence before the crowd erupted in disbelief that they hadn’t scored again.

Despite Tanzania’s efforts to regroup, they struggled to create meaningful chances in the closing minutes. Their sporadic attacks lacked precision, and DRC held on to secure the 1-0 win.

Taifa Stars now have three days to prepare for the return leg in Dar es Salaam, where they will need a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing to the 2025 AFCON finals alive. 

Coach Morocco remains confident that his team can bounce back at home, with the support of their fans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

“The key will be to capitalize on our chances and tighten up our defense to avoid costly mistakes,” Morocco said. “With our home support, I believe we can turn things around and keep our Afcon dream alive.”

Tanzania's fate in Group H now hinges on their ability to rally and secure a victory in the second leg against DRC, a game that will be critical for their qualification hopes.