FIFA Series: Liechtenstein shock Tanzania to reach final

Liechtenstein registered a rare 1–0 victory over Tanzania in their FIFA Series Group B fixture played at Kigali Pele Stadium. Rwanda is hosting their inaugural FIFA Series games across two groups, as Tanzania failed to progress to the final after their slender defeat.

FIFA Series 2026

FT’ @taifastars_ 🇹🇿 0️⃣ – 1️⃣🇱🇮Liechtenstein@taifastars_ @nsc_bmt @fifamedia pic.twitter.com/GPFsk2pNLi

— TFF TANZANIA (@Tanfootball) March 26, 2026

The Taifa Stars came into the tie on the back of a good outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by hosts Morocco. The team used four players from that match, with head coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi giving new faces the space to show their worth.

They were the better side of the two nations during the first half. Seleman Mwalimu rounded Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel but failed to shoot on target for the best chance of the half. At the stroke of half-time, Feisal Salum caught Büchel off guard and tried his luck from range, but his effort rattled the post.

In the second half, the Europeans’ strong defensive display continued, but they were also lethal on counterattacks. They took the lead in the 55th minute through a fast break, with Ferhat Saglam finishing off a one-on-one situation.

Tanzania did try to get back into the tie but their poor attacking proficiency let them down. Morice Abraham came closest with a left-footed curler that was parried away by Büchel.

The surprise winners, Liechtenstein, will face Aruba in the final. The Taifa Stars will be hoping to secure third place when they face Macau. In the other group, Kenya will tackle Estonia while Rwanda are up against Grenada.