Tanzania captain Samatta: “Possibly my last AFCON, but I leave a legacy for the next generation”

Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta admits he left the pitch with mixed emotions following the Taifa Stars’ 1-1 draw in an East African derby at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

While disappointed that his side could not claim all three points, the French Ligue 1 forward emphasized the importance of taking positives from the stalemate.

“After the game, the dressing room was quiet. From the first whistle, we felt confident, and as the game went on, we were almost sure we would win,” Samatta reflected in an in-depth interview with Kawowo Sports. “You could say we were unlucky, but one last shot could have sealed the victory. Positively, we take a point. It could have been worse, so we remain optimistic.”

The 33-year-old veteran also highlighted his role as a mentor to the younger generation. “My generation has had its time. For many of these players, this was their AFCON. We’re here to guide them because East Africa will host in 2027. I hand over the stick to them, hoping they can achieve something incredible in the next edition.”

When asked if this could be his final AFCON, Samatta admitted the possibility. “Possibly, this is my last tournament. I don’t see myself in another AFCON as a player. But if the coach believes I can contribute beyond the pitch, maybe there’s a role for me.”

Discipline, he insists, is the cornerstone of his successful career. “I don’t see myself as a Messi or Neymar. I’m just a good player who takes care of himself and aims high. My goals were always bigger than what I’ve achieved, but I’m grateful for every step.”

Ex-Aston Villa striker and Tanzania veteran Mbwana Samatta feels this could be his last Africa Cup of Nations but the 33-year-old is happy to help youngsters emerge ahead of the Pamoja 2027 showpiece.#MonitorSport#MonitorUpdates #AFCON2025
📹: @AllanDarren pic.twitter.com/EPW6N6GmXS

— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) December 28, 2025

Samatta’s career journey is as impressive as his mindset. Born in 1992, he began at African Lyon before moving to Simba SC then TP Mazembe, where he claimed the CAF Champions League in 2015, won the competition’s Golden Boot and earned CAF Interclub Player of the Year honors.

🇹🇿 Mbwana Samatta was an unstoppable force in the 2015 #TotalCAFCL, scoring a hat-trick vs. Moghreb Tétouan, and eventually finishing top scorer of the competition! 🔝🎩

Deadly finisher 🔥#TuesdayTreble | @Samagoal77_ pic.twitter.com/GTBx2G0HOk

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) June 16, 2020

His exploits in DR Congo paved the way for a move to Belgium’s RC Genk, where he won the league and Super Cup, before joining Aston Villa in the English Premier League in 2020. Since then, he has also featured in Greece, Turkey, and now France with Le Havre.

On the international stage, the forward has scored 22 goals in over 87 appearances for the Taifa Stars, establishing himself as one of East Africa’s greatest players. Even as his on-field career may wind down, his influence on Tanzania’s next generation promises to endure.