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2026 World Cup Qualifiers: In form Samatta axed from Tanzania squad

Dennis Kegengo

Photo Credit - Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).


Tanzania head coach Hemed Suleiman has released Taifa Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying against and Morocco.


However, conspicuously missing from the squad is on-form striker and captain Mbwana Samatta. Since moving to Greece Super League club PAOK at the start of the season, the 32-year-old has scored four league goals from nine matches and provided one assist.


In the squad, Mainland Premier League champions Young Africans (Yanga SC) have provided four players in Yanga: Dickson Job, Ibrahim Backa, Mudathir Yahya and Clement Mzize while their rivals have six players including goalkeeper Ally Salim, Shomari Kapombe, Mohamed Hussein, Abdulrazack Mohamed, Yusuf Kagoma and Kibu Denis.


Photo Credit - TFF.


Meanwhile, Azam FC have provided four players - Lusajo Mwaikenda, Pascal Msindo, Feisal Salum and Iddy Selemani. Tanzania will face Morocco at Stade Municipal on Wednesday, March 26.


Tanzania are currently sitting third in Group E with six points from three matches, while the Atlas Lions are topping with nine points from the same number of matches. Niger are second on six points, Zambia fourth on three points.


2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group E table (4 matches played)


Points

Morocco

9

Niger

6

Tanzania

6

Zambia

3

Congo*

0

Eritrea**

0

  • The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff

  • *- Congo were suspended on February 6 by FIFA "until further notice" due to government interference.

  • **- Eritrea withdrew before qualifying began, reportedly due to fears over players seeking political asylum when traveling out of the country.

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