Head coach of Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, Miguel Gamondi, has expressed pride in his players following their narrow 2–1 loss to Nigeria in their opening AFCON 2025 Group C match in Fès, Morocco.
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Speaking after the encounter, Gamondi said his team showed courage and belief by playing without fear against one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
“I am proud of my players. They showed great spirit and tried to impose their style of play against a strong Nigerian team,” Gamondi said.
Tanzania went into the break trailing after Semi Ajayi’s first-half header but responded positively early in the second half when Charles M’Mbombwa pulled them level. Although Ademola Lookman quickly restored Nigeria’s lead, Gamondi believes the performance showed signs of growth.
“We did not come here just to defend. We wanted to play football, and the players showed that mentality,” he added.
The Tanzanian coach acknowledged that there were mistakes, particularly in key moments, but insisted that those errors are part of a learning process for a developing team.
“We will analyse the match, correct our faults and keep improving. This is how teams grow at this level,” he stated.
Gamondi remained optimistic about Tanzania’s chances in the tournament, stressing that the group is still open despite the opening defeat.
“This result does not end our hopes. We still have matches to play, and anything is possible in football,” he said.
The Taifa Stars are drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Uganda, with Gamondi confident his side can respond positively in their remaining fixtures.
“We will keep fighting and believing,” he concluded.
