Head coach of the Tanzania national team, Miguel Gumondi, has expressed pride in his players following their 2–1 defeat to Nigeria in the opening match of Group C at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking after the match in Fès, Gumondi praised his team’s bravery and fighting spirit, insisting that the Taifa Stars showed they could compete at the highest level despite the result.
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“I am proud of my players,” Gumondi said. “They played without fear and tried to impose their style against a very strong Nigerian team.”
Tanzania fell behind in the first half after conceding a headed goal to Semi Ajayi but responded positively after the break, equalising through Charles M’Mbombwa before eventually conceding again to Ademola Lookman.
Gumondi highlighted his team’s response after going behind as a major positive.
“We did not collapse after conceding. We stayed in the game, created chances and showed character,” he added.
The Tanzanian coach admitted that Nigeria’s quality was evident, particularly in key moments, but stressed that his side did not shy away from the challenge.
“When you play against a team like Nigeria, small mistakes are punished. But my players showed courage and belief,” he said.
Gumondi also revealed that the team would immediately turn its focus to correcting errors ahead of their remaining group matches.
“We will analyse this game, work on our weaknesses and improve. There are still matches to play,” he noted.
Despite the loss, the coach remained optimistic about Tanzania’s chances of progressing from the group.
“This result does not end our journey. We still believe we have a chance, and we will fight for it,” Gumondi concluded.
Tanzania will now look to bounce back in their next Group C fixture as they continue their AFCON campaign in Morocco.
