The team etched their name into the country’s football history by qualifying for the Afcon Round of 16 for the first time, before bowing out narrowly with a 1–0 defeat to hosts Morocco in a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
Dar es Salaam. Hundreds of residents today January 8, 2026 turned out in an emotional show of pride to welcome the Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, following their return from the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament currently underway in Morocco.
The team etched their name into the country’s football history by qualifying for the Afcon Round of 16 for the first time, before bowing out narrowly with a 1–0 defeat to hosts Morocco in a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
In recognition of the historic achievement, President Samia Suluhu Hassan arranged a special flight to bring the players and officials back home, a gesture that was warmly appreciated by both the team and supporters.
Fans began gathering early in the morning at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), patiently awaiting the team’s arrival.
The aircraft touched down at around 12.47pm, triggering jubilant scenes as supporters dressed in Taifa Stars jerseys waved national flags, displayed mascots and danced to traditional performances that created a carnival-like atmosphere.
The team was officially received by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, accompanied by Deputy Minister Hamisi Mwinjuma, popularly known as Mwana FA, Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa and Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila.
Also present were National Sports Council (NSC) Secretary General Neema Msitha, Kigamboni District Commissioner Dalmia Mikaya, Ubungo District Commissioner Albert Msando, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia, and several other government and sports officials.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Kabudi congratulated the players for making the nation proud, saying their performance reflected the positive progress of Tanzanian football. He revealed that, following President Samia’s directive, the team had been invited to a special reception at State House.
“What you achieved in Morocco is a great source of pride for Tanzania and a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction ahead of the next Afcon finals, which our country will co-host with Kenya and Uganda,” said Prof Kabudi.
Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila echoed the praise and assured the public that Dar es Salaam would be fully prepared to host Afcon 2027. He pledged to address traffic congestion, strengthen security and improve infrastructure, including the construction of more five-star hotels to accommodate visitors.
Chalamila disclosed that a special task force had been sent to Morocco to study best practices in hosting the tournament. “Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda and other officials are currently in Morocco learning from their experience. We are determined to meet and surpass those standards,” he said.
Permanent Secretary Gerson Msigwa noted that hosting Afcon 2027 would provide a major boost to tourism and other sectors of the economy, adding that Tanzania is targeting eight million tourists.
Speaking on behalf of the players, winger Simon Msuva expressed gratitude to President Samia, the government, TFF and all football stakeholders for their unwavering support, as well as for the warm reception accorded to the team.
After the airport ceremony, the players and officials boarded a special luxury bus and were escorted by a motorcade along Nyerere Road, Mandela Road and Uhuru Road. Large crowds lined the streets, cheering and waving as the Taifa Stars made their triumphant journey home.
