AFCON 2023: Ousted Tanzania rue missed chances, promise improved performance in next edition

Close. Too close, but far away.

Such was the feeling for Tanzania’s Taifa Stars as they once again made an Africa Cup of Nations tournament, but left as they came: winless and out in the first round.

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But differently, they at least showed some improvements from their previous outing in 2019 - where they lost all their group fixtures - by drawing twice and suffering just one defeat, to Africa’s number one team Morocco.

Their exit was confirmed Wednesday night following a barren draw with DR Congo at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo.

“We aimed to go into the last game and give a good account of ourselves which we did and huge credit to the players for fighting hard,” Tanzania’s Interim coach Hemed Suleiman said after the game. “It was a good game against a strong opponent but we managed their pressure, created good chances but couldn’t capitalize. That’s football.”

AFCON2023: Tanzania can't win an AFCON match! Taifa Stars surrender lead to settle for draw against Zambia

The same message of missed opportunities was echoed by team midfielder Feisal Salum, who admitted that “luck was not on our side but we are satisfied with what we got.”

Answering questions in regards to the team chasing their first win, Tanzania’s only goal scorer in the tournament - Simon Msuva - said: “The reality is we have not made that step to the next round (last 16) but with every passing day, we are seeing improvements that will make us better in the coming tournaments.

“We wish we could qualify but it means we are strategizing for the upcoming one.”

The next edition is slated for 2025 in Morocco, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda co-hosting it afterward in 2027.