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Tanzania’s national football team, the Taifa Stars, is intensifying its preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualification campaign, significantly strengthened by the presence of UK-based midfielders Tarryn Allarakhia and defender Haji Mnoga. The duo, whose professional journeys began in English non-league football, now represent a crucial component in Tanzania’s ambitious pursuit of a historic first victory in the prestigious continental tournament. Ranked 112th globally by FIFA, Tanzania faces a challenging Group D, commencing its fixtures against formidable opponents including Nigeria, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Allarakhia, a dynamic midfielder for National League leaders Rochdale, and Mnoga, a robust defender with League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City, share a profound bond rooted in their Tanzanian ancestry. Their fathers, Yousef and Suleiman, immigrated to the United Kingdom, and both players spent formative childhood holidays immersed in Tanzania, cultivating a deep connection to their ancestral homeland. This shared heritage has been instrumental in their unwavering commitment to the Taifa Stars, despite their footballing careers primarily developing within the highly competitive tiers of English football.
The Tanzanian football federation has proactively adopted a strategic approach to bolster its national squad by actively engaging its diaspora. This initiative notably brought Allarakhia into the fold following a personal recommendation from Mnoga, who had previously represented England at youth level. Mnoga recalled his surprise upon discovering Allarakhia’s Tanzanian roots during an opposing fixture, highlighting the federation’s broader trend of scouting overseas talent to enhance international competitiveness through the integration of players with dual heritage.
Integrating into the Taifa Stars squad initially presented challenges, particularly concerning language. Neither Allarakhia nor Mnoga were fluent in Swahili upon their initial call-ups, leading to a period of adjustment where some teammates exhibited reluctance to communicate in English. However, through successive training camps and a shared commitment to unity, communication has markedly improved. Both players have diligently embraced learning Swahili, thereby fostering stronger bonds and a more cohesive spirit within the diverse national squad, with Allarakhia recently scoring his debut goal for Tanzania in a 4-3 defeat to Kuwait.
The transition from the structured environment of English league football to the demands of the international stage has been stark, exposing them to world-class opposition and challenging conditions. Allarakhia recounted his demanding debut against Mohamed Salah’s formidable Egypt and later facing Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, a World Cup semi-finalist, under scorching 40-degree heat during the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. Despite these tough baptisms by fire, these high-stakes experiences have undeniably sharpened their resolve and provided invaluable exposure to the elite echelons of the sport, further fueling their collective ambition to “make history” for Tanzania.
In the 2023 tournament, Allarakhia and Mnoga were integral members of a squad that secured creditable draws against Zambia and DR Congo, accumulating more points than any previous Tanzanian side at an AFCON finals. While this achievement was ultimately insufficient for group progression, it established a new benchmark for the team. For the upcoming 2025 campaign, their objective is clear and ambitious: to surpass that previous accomplishment. Mnoga articulated this drive, stating, “We just want to make history for the country… this year we want to go one better.”
This determination is further amplified by the exciting prospect of Tanzania co-hosting the AFCON in 2027, alongside Kenya and Uganda, an event that would mark a historic first for the nation. The experience of international football extends far beyond the confines of the pitch, offering a profound personal and cultural journey. Mnoga reflects on African football’s unique character, describing it as “fun” and “not robotic,” drawing a distinct contrast with what he perceives as a more rigid European style of play. This inherent freedom and palpable passion are qualities he believes resonate deeply with both players and fans alike.
The Taifa Stars squad itself is predominantly composed of players from the domestic league, with 20 out of 28 travelling to Morocco, including high-profile striker Mbwana Samatta, the only Tanzanian to have played in the English Premier League. Participation in AFCON has also yielded tangible impacts on their respective club careers. Mnoga, for instance, was released by Portsmouth following the 2023 tournament, subsequently undergoing trials before securing a one-year deal with Salford City. Yet, he unequivocally views these international opportunities as vital platforms to test himself against top-tier opponents, citing a particularly strong performance against West Ham’s Saïd Benrahma as a career-shaping moment. For both Allarakhia and Mnoga, their journey with Tanzania represents not merely a pursuit of footballing ambition but also a deeper, evolving connection to their heritage and a significant broadening of their global perspective.
