FIFAWCQ: Suleiman explains absence of Samatta after naming Tanzania squad

Tanzania coach Hemed Suleiman has revealed why strikers Mbwana Samatta and Kelvin John have been omitted from the national team’s final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying fixtures set for October.

While naming his final squad, Suleiman left out Samatta, who plays for Ligue 1 club Le Havre, and John, who turns out for Danish Superliga side AaB. He has now explained that Samatta requested not to be included in the squad, whereas John has issues with his work permit that could not allow him to leave Denmark.

Samatta requested to be omitted from the squad

“Mbwana (Samatta) called me and requested that I don’t include him in the squad, and as coach I had to respect his decision,” Suleiman said in a statement seen by Pan-Africa Football. “In the case of Kelvin (John), he was not able to travel because he is working to renew his work permit.”

Tanzania will host Zambia for the matchday nine fixture at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Wednesday, October 8., Taifa Stars are currently sitting second in Group E with 10 points, one fewer than leaders Morocco, while third-placed Niger have eight points.

Zambia are lying fourth with six points from six matches, and Congo fifth with one point.