FES, MOROCCO – Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi has praised his squad for “surprising” the footballing world with their spirited performance against the Super Eagles, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.
The Taifa Stars were the clear underdogs for Tuesday’s Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Many pundits expected the East Africans to adopt a deeply defensive “low block” against Nigeria’s star-studded attack, but Gomandi’s side instead opted for a disciplined and adventurous approach.
Tactical Bravery over Defensive Sheltering
While goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman eventually secured the points for Nigeria, Gomandi maintained that his team’s reputation had been significantly enhanced by their performance.
Speaking to the press following the final whistle, the Tanzanian manager said:
“The performance was excellent, even with the mistake on the corner that led to the opening goal. When you consider the gap in quality and market value between the two squads, our tactical application was superb.
“I think we caught many people off guard. There was an assumption we would simply ‘park the bus’, but that is not my philosophy. I want my players to defend with intensity, yes, but also to attack and show the opponent no fear.”
Match Highlights: A Contested Affair
Nigeria asserted their dominance early on, with Akor Adams rattling the crossbar with a header. The deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to meet an Alex Iwobi corner, powering his header home.
The second half began with high drama. Victor Osimhen thought he had extended Nigeria’s lead, only for the goal to be overturned following a VAR intervention. Seizing the momentum, Tanzania stunned the Super Eagles shortly after. Novatus Miroshi played a pinpoint ball to Charles M’Mombwa, who timed his run to beat the offside trap and coolly slot the ball past Stanley Nwabali.
However, Nigeria’s quality eventually told. In the 52nd minute, Alex Iwobi provided his second assist of the night, finding Ademola Lookman who restored the lead with a sharp left-footed finish.
Looking Ahead
The victory sees Nigeria join Tunisia at the top of Group C, after the latter’s 3-1 win over Uganda. Despite the loss, Tanzania will take immense confidence into their next fixture against Uganda, having proven they can compete with the continent’s elite.
