Tanzania optimistic of 2026 World Cup qualification

Tanzania head coach Hemed Suleiman believes that his side remain within a shout of qualifying for the Fifa World Cup as they prepare to do battle against Niger in their next Group E assignment at the Amani Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Kick-off is at 3pm (CAT, GMT+2), live on SuperSport.

CURRENT FORM

Tanzania will go into their next game on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Congo Brazzaville, in a game that took place at the Alphonse Massamba-Debat Stadium last Friday.

As it stands, the Taifa Stars are second in Group E, eight points behind the spotless Moroccan national team, who bagged six wins from six matches so far.

Niger on the other hand, suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against the Atlas Lions last time out and are fourth in Group E, four points behind their upcoming opponents head into their sixth qualifying match.

WHAT WAS SAID

Reflecting on Tanzania’s point earned in their most recent result, Taifa Stars coach Hemed Suleiman expressed that his side are locked in for World Cup qualification.

“It was a tough game. Our goal was to earn maximum points, but we came away with one. The one point is still valuable and we are thankful we managed to get it,” Suleiman said.

“We still have a chance to qualify through second place and go for the playoff. We still have a chance for World Cup qualification. That is where most of our effort are now focused.”

Speaking after Niger’s damaging loss to Morocco, coach Badou Zaki expressed that his players are currently battling with match fitness and that they are more so focused on qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

“The expulsion of one of our players made things more difficult for us. Our players lack competition, as the local league hasn't even started yet,” Zaki said.

“We always have problems in September. We expected this scenario,”

"Niger's goal was to qualify for the 2025 Afcon, but we haven't achieved that goal. We didn't dream of qualifying for the World Cup, but we want to build a fighting team for the 2027 Afcon.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tanzania: Selemani Mwalimu – As a player who came off the bench in the game against Congo, Mwalimu changed the game for his nation by getting on the scoresheet to tie the game. In essence, Mwalimu could well have put his hand up for a starting berth against Niger, especially with confidence in his step.

Niger: Victorien Adebayor – It can be said that Niger have been struggling in their creative department as of late, an area in which Adebayor is expected to shine. The Niger number 10 is expected to play a major role against Tanzania this week, as The Mena go in search of their third win in Group E.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 3

Tanzania wins: 2

Niger wins: 0

Draws: 1