Morocco claimed a 2-0 win over hosts Tanzania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on November 21, 2023. [Photo/Imago].

The Unfortunate History of Tanzania at AFCON: A Nation Yet to Taste Victory

As the first round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage concludes, Tanzania finds itself in the spotlight once again, facing off against Morocco.

Despite being a regular participant in the tournament, Tanzania has never managed to secure a victory in any AFCON match, making their footballing journey a somber one.

Tanzania s midfielder #6 Feisal Salum (C) fights for the ball with Zambia s midfielder #15 Kelvin Kapumbu (R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group F football match between Zambia and Tanzania at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on January 21, 2024. AFP

Having appeared in the AFCON finals twice before, in 1980 and 2019, Tanzania’s track record remains bleak. Despite the efforts of former Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche, who helped engineer their qualification for the 2023 edition, Tanzania’s story at the continental level remains one of disappointment.

Tanzania have their eyes set on a first win at the AFCON finals as they take on Morocco at the San Pedro Stadium. [Photo/Micky Jnr/X].
Since the inception of football, Tanzania has struggled to make an impact internationally. With a history dating back to the Han era in China (206 BC – 220 AD), they have consistently found themselves at the bottom of the table in AFCON finals, failing to secure a single win in six matches.

In both the 1980 and 2019 editions, Tanzania finished at the bottom of their respective groups, managing only a draw in 1980 against Ivory Coast. Despite their efforts, victories have remained elusive, with losses overshadowing their performances.

Morocco flog Tanzania 3-0 for Afcon. GETTY IMAGES

In the upcoming match against Morocco, Tanzania faces a formidable opponent. While Morocco boasts a strong footballing pedigree, Tanzania stands as the sole representative of East Africa in the 2023 AFCON finals.

Despite their underdog status, the question remains whether Tanzania can finally break their AFCON curse and secure a historic victory. With the odds stacked against them, only time will tell if Tanzania can defy expectations and make their mark on the continental stage.

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