- Tanzania’s coach showed a moment of class, dedicating his side’s progression to AFCON 2025 Round of 16 to the post-election victims
- Hundreds of people lost their lives during the post-election protests that marred the country in October after President Samia Suluhu’s re-election
- The Taifa Stars qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time, where they will play hosts Morocco on Sunday, January 4
Tanzania’s head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has dedicated their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification to the Round of 16 to the citizens of the country after a challenging year.
Source: Twitter
The country’s men’s football national team progressed to the knockout rounds of AFCON for the first time in their history.
Taifa Stars went through as one of the best losers after drawing two games and losing one to finish third in Group C and fourth in the best loser rankings.
How many people died in Tanzania?
The huge milestone was well-received by Gamondi, who dedicated the win to Tanzanians, after the violence that marred the country following the presidential election in October.
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According to multiple reports, hundreds of citizens were killed during the three-day protests that saw President Samia Suluhu reclaim her seat.
Suluhu was re-elected with over 98% of the vote after the main opposition candidates were imprisoned and barred from contesting. Among those who died were seven young players from one football agency.
Tanzania’s coach dedicates AFCON success to election victims
Speaking after qualifying for the Round of 16, Gamondi dedicated the qualification to the citizens back at home.
“Let me say something before we start the press conference. I was not born in Tanzania, but I am feeling like one of them,” said the Argentine via BBC News Swahili.
“This team spirit, the fighting spirit, solidarity and teamwork should be homage for the difficult situation that Tanzanians went through on October 29. I want to give homage to all the people who died. I told the players that this would be a good example to show that Tanzania is a big nation and that being united is more important than football.”
Samia Suluhu sends message to Taifa Stars
Suluhu, meanwhile, congratulated the team and wished them all the best ahead of their Round of 16 game against the hosts, Morocco, on Sunday.
“I congratulate our national football team, Taifa Stars, for qualifying for the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in our country’s history,” she said on her social media accounts.
“This great honour is the result of thorough preparation and your dedication in every match. You have written an important chapter in our nation’s history and brought joy to all Tanzanians. Congratulations. I wish you all the best in the matches ahead.”
Source: Twitter
How Sudan qualified for AFCON Round of 16
In another report, Sudan qualified for the Round of 16 without scoring a single goal.
The East Africans’ only goal was an own goal in their win over Equatorial Guinea.
They will play Senegal on Saturday.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
