Photo Credit - Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
Tanzania national team head coach Hemed Suleiman has moved to cool down speculations that the absence of lead striker and captain Mbwana Samatta will affect their main target of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of their group qualifying fixture against Morocco scheduled for March 26 at Stade Municipal in Berkane, coach Suleiman unveiled a squad for the tussle but conspicuously missing was the name of striker Samatta, who is currently having a great season with Super League club PAOK in Greece.
Addressing the issue, Suleiman confirmed that Samatta’s omission was as a result of injury as communicated by his club. The injury according to Suleiman, could sideline Samatta for the next three weeks.
Speaking on Samatta’s absence, Suleiman said as quoted by the Guardian: “We won our away match against Zambia even without key players, including Samatta. We are satisfied with the medical reports from PAOK regarding his injury. The team will enter camp tomorrow to prepare for this crucial match.”
Suleiman maintained: “Our goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. We have a plan, and we are determined to execute it. This is our primary objective.”
Taifa Stars are currently sitting third in Group E with six points from three matches. Morocco leads the group with nine points, while Niger also has six points but holds second place due to a superior goal difference of +3 (5-2), compared to Tanzania’s 0 (2-2).
Zambia follows with three points, while Congo Brazzaville is suspended, and Eritrea has withdrawn from the qualifiers.
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