Dar es Salaam – The Tanzania national football team, Taifa Stars, has departed for Dubai ahead of their international friendly match against Iran, scheduled for October 14, as part of the official FIFA international calendar.
Speaking before the team’s departure, head coach Hemed “Morocco” Seleman described the friendly as a vital test for his side, emphasizing its importance in rebuilding confidence and improving overall team performance ahead of upcoming competitions.
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“It is true that we have not done well in the two World Cup qualifying matches against Niger and Zambia, which we lost, including one at home,” said Morocco. “But that cannot discourage us. We must look ahead, especially with AFCON 2027 on the horizon. This match will help us assess our squad, raise our standards, and start preparing early.”
The Taifa Stars have endured a challenging run in recent fixtures, having failed to secure a win in their last three World Cup qualifying games. The team drew 1-1 against Congo Brazzaville, suffered a 1-0 loss to Niger, and were again defeated 1-0 by Zambia earlier this week.
Those results effectively ended Tanzania’s hopes of advancing to the World Cup play-offs, as they currently sit third in Group E with 10 points. Despite this setback, Morocco remains optimistic that the upcoming friendly against Iran will serve as a turning point for his side.
The coach also stressed the need for tactical discipline and mental resilience as the team looks to restore its competitive edge on the continental stage.
The international friendly in Dubai is expected to provide the technical bench an opportunity to evaluate new players and strengthen team chemistry ahead of future qualifiers and tournaments.
