Mbwana Samatta spoke with calm confidence, but his message carried intent. As Tanzania prepare to face hosts Morocco in Sunday’s Round of 16 clash in Rabat, the Taifa Stars captain made one thing clear, they are not at the Africa Cup of Nations to observe.
“We respect Morocco, especially at home,” Samatta said. “But it’s 11 against 11. We want to show that Tanzania deserve to be here.”
Those words reflect a team enjoying and embracing, a historic moment. Tanzania have reached the AFCON knockout stage for the first time. What began as an achievement has turned into belief, and belief into ambition.
Morocco stand in their way. Backed by a home crowd and rich in talent, the Atlas Lions are clear favourites. Yet inside the Moroccan camp, caution outweighs confidence.
Head coach Walid Regragui has warned repeatedly that AFCON punishes complacency, especially in knockout football.
The group stage, he insists, no longer matters. One lapse, one moment of overconfidence, can end everything.
Morocco know this too well. Their last continental title came in 1976, and past campaigns have often unravelled not through lack of quality, but loss of focus.
Experience is Regragui’s anchor. Achraf Hakimi brings drive and leadership from the back, while captain Romain Saïss offers calm authority in defence.
“At this stage there are no favourites,” Saïss said. “Only teams fighting to survive. Any loss of humility will be punished.”
Tanzania arrive with a different advantage: freedom. With history already made, pressure is light.
Head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi has prepared his side with discipline and clarity, drawing on his deep knowledge of Moroccan football after years in the country’s top league.
The Taifa Stars are organised, compact and ready to break quickly. At the heart of it all is Samatta, whose quiet confidence echoes through the squad.
“We have our strengths,” he said. “Morocco are a heavyweight, but we believe in ourselves. We are here to compete.”
On Sunday, Morocco will chase control and composure in front of a nation longing for glory.
Tanzania will chase courage and opportunity, guided by a captain who believes their journey is only just beginning.
Africa Cup Of Nations | Sunday January 4 | R16 Fixture
- Morocco Vs Tanzania- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | 19:00 EAT
