Gamondi shares secret behind Tanzania’s AFCON’s feat

Tanzania national team coach Miguel Gamondi has shared the secret behind his team’s qualification to the round-of-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals for the first time in 45 years.

The Argentine saw his team come from behind to hold Tunisia 1-1 and sneak through to the knockout phase in dramatic fashion in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday.

Gamondi, who has been with Tanzania national team for a month, said he put in a lot of work to prepare the team within the limited time. The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach took over the reins from Tanzanian Hemed Suleiman in November 2025.

“I didn’t have enough time to prepare the team, but we worked together with the Management and Federation,” Gamondi told the international press.  “I feel very proud, not just for myself but for the country.”

What Gamondi changed after taking over Tanzania

The coach also shared insights on what he did to change Tanzania team’s mentality of viewing themselves as Africa football’s also-rans.

“To qualify is a great learning for Tanzania who must be proud. I hope this will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players on the potential of Tanzanian football,”
he added.

Tunisia struck first from Ismael Gharbi’s penalty kick just before half-time. However, highly-rated Feisal Salum pulled Tanzania level with a stunner from range to seal the dramatic comeback.

Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind leaders Nigeria.

Tanzania sneaked through to the round-of -6 as among the best third-placed team courtesy of more goals scored, effectively eliminating Angola who also had an outside qualification chance.

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