CHAN: Tanzania will treat every opponent with equal seriousness – Suleiman

Tanzania national team head coach Hemed ‘Morocco’ Suleiman has discussed the team’s chances during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament that they will co-host alongside neighbours Kenya and Uganda.

Taifa Stars have been pooled alongside Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar and they will play all their matches at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

“We have great respect for all the teams in our group, including Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Central African Republic and Madagascar. These are sides full of talented players and good tactical organization,” Suleiman told CAFOnline.

“In modern football, there’s no such thing as an easy game, especially in CHAN where surprises are common. We’ve studied their recent performances and know they bring energy and elegance to their play.

“Our focus is on preparing thoroughly and treating every opponent with equal seriousness. Each match will demand full concentration and discipline. While we trust in our abilities, we know nothing will come easy. It’s a competitive group and we’re preparing accordingly. Consistency and focus will be key.”

On Tanzania’s main objective at CHAN, he said: “Our primary objective is to be competitive and progress as far as possible in this tournament. But equally important is building a strong foundation for the future.

“CHAN is unique in that it highlights domestic-based players and helps us assess talent for long-term inclusion in the national team. We are balancing the pursuit of results with strategic development.

“Players from clubs like Simba and Yanga have already shown they can compete at the highest level in CAF competitions. CHAN is their chance to prove themselves for the national team. Reaching the knockout stage would be a great achievement, but identifying players who can become regular Taifa Stars is just as valuable.”

Tanzania will begin their campaign against Burkina Faso on Saturday, August 2.