TANZANIA’s journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a critical turn following Guinea’s commanding 4-1 victory over Ethiopia in their recent Group H qualifier.

This result has reshaped the dynamics of the group, putting added pressure on Tanzania as they aim to secure one of the coveted spots in the tournament.

Guinea’s resurgence, spearheaded by a first-half hat-trick from Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, has shaken up Group H. 

The match, held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Saturday, saw the Syli National dominate Ethiopia from start to finish, catapulting them from the bottom of the group to third place. 

With three points, Guinea now trails Tanzania, who sit second with four points, while DR Congo tops the group with nine points.

For Tanzania, Guinea’s sudden revival is a significant threat. The Taifa Stars have three crucial matches remaining in the qualifiers, and they’ll need to perform at their best to fend off Guinea’s challenge and keep their AFCON hopes alive. 

Guinea’s star striker Guirassy, who missed the previous encounter when Tanzania won 2-1 in September, poses a serious challenge in the upcoming rematch.

Tanzania’s next game, a must-win clash against group leaders DR Congo, takes place tomorrow at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. This match is crucial for Tanzania’s qualification chances, as they will likely need two victories from their remaining three fixtures to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON finals. 

Following the match against DR Congo, Tanzania will face Ethiopia on November 11, before a potentially decisive showdown with Guinea on November 15.

Tanzania’s recent 1-0 loss to DR Congo last week has left little room for error. DR Congo’s win consolidated their position at the top of Group H with nine points, while Tanzania’s defeat means that any further slip-ups could jeopardize their qualification chances. With Guirassy returning to form for Guinea, Tanzania’s defense will face a daunting task when the two teams meet again next month.

Guirassy, who has been in prolific form for both club and country, is now a key figure in Guinea’s qualification push. His hat-trick against Ethiopia was a stark reminder of his goal-scoring prowess, and his presence will undoubtedly be a concern for Tanzania’s defense, which has already shown vulnerability against stronger opposition.

In the previous meeting between Tanzania and Guinea, Guirassy’s absence was felt as the Taifa Stars capitalized on Guinea’s defensive gaps to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory. However, with Guirassy back in the lineup, the upcoming rematch will present a far greater challenge for Tanzania. 

Guinea, eager to avenge their loss, will be pushing hard for a win that could see them overtake Tanzania in the standings.

Tanzania’s head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman faces a tough task ahead. After the disappointing loss to DR Congo, he must rally his players for tomorrow’s home game, knowing that victory could provide a much-needed boost ahead of their remaining fixtures. The home crowd at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will play a crucial role in motivating the team as they look to secure three points.

Should Tanzania win against DR Congo, their path to AFCON qualification will be clearer, but a loss could leave them vulnerable to a resurgent Guinea. The Taifa Stars will need to be especially vigilant in their final two matches, with the game against Ethiopia potentially offering their best chance for victory. However, much will depend on how they fare against both DR Congo and Guinea.

Tanzania’s immediate focus is on tomorrow’s match, but the looming challenge of facing Guinea with Guirassy in full form will require careful preparation. Guinea’s hunger for a place in AFCON, coupled with their recent resurgence, makes them a formidable opponent. 

Ultimately, Tanzania’s fate in Group H rests on their performances in these final three matches. With the competition heating up, every point is crucial. The Taifa Stars must dig deep and find their best form to keep their AFCON 2025 dreams alive.