Tanzania clinch 2025 AFCON spot with Decisive win over Guinea

Dar, 

Tuesday, 19 November, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

The Taifa Stars of Tanzania have booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships in Morocco after a gritty 1-0 victory over Guinea in Dar es Salaam. 

In a must-win encounter for both teams, Tanzania rose to the challenge, securing their qualification as Group H runners-up with 10 points from six matches, just one point clear of third-placed Guinea.

The decisive goal came in the 61st minute when Simon Msuva showcased his clinical finishing skills. Receiving a well-timed assist from Yanga SC’s Yahya, Msuva broke through the Guinea defense and fired a precise shot that sealed the win and sparked jubilation among the home fans. 

The result underscores Tanzania's determination, capping off their campaign on a high note after a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Addis Ababa just days earlier.

Guinea, on the other hand, came into the match riding high after a morale-boosting 1-0 win over group leaders DR Congo. Their star player, Borussia Dortmund’s Guirassy, was expected to lead the attack but was ultimately left to ponder what could have been as the Guinean team fell short. 

With this result, Guinea’s hopes of returning to the AFCON stage have been dashed, meaning Guirassy will have to wait until 2027 for another shot at continental glory.

DR Congo topped Group H with 12 points, sealing their qualification with consistency throughout the campaign. Tanzania’s triumph makes them the third East African nation to qualify for AFCON 2025, joining DR Congo and Uganda, with the latter having secured their second spot from Group K.

The Taifa Stars' resurgence and strong team cohesion have been critical to their success, with coach Adel Amrouche guiding them through a challenging qualification journey.

The absence of traditional East African contenders Kenya and Ethiopia, both of whom failed to progress, highlights the shifting dynamics within the region. For Kenya, a third-place finish in their group behind Zimbabwe and Cameroon meant missing out on yet another AFCON, while Ethiopia also faltered at crucial moments.

Tanzania’s victory is a testament to their growing presence in African football. The Taifa Stars' qualification serves as a source of pride and inspiration for their fans and offers hope for a strong showing in Morocco next year. 

As East Africa's representation continues to expand, the region's footballing future looks bright. With momentum on their side, Tanzania aims to make their mark on the grand stage in 2025 and further solidify their status among Africa's elite.