AFCON 2025: I know we surprised many people — Tanzania boss opens up on Super Eagles defeat

Tanzania head coach Manuel Gomandi believes his side silenced critics with their spirited performance against Nigeria, despite suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.

Taifa Stars arrived at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday as heavy underdogs, with many pundits predicting a lopsided affair in favour of the three-time African champions.

However, instead of retreating into a defensive shell, Tanzania delivered a disciplined and courageous display that pushed the Super Eagles until the final whistle.

Nigeria took the lead in the 36th minute when Semi Ajayi rose highest to thunder home a header from an Alex Iwobi corner. While Tanzania fought back valiantly after the interval, Ademola Lookman eventually found the net to restore the lead and secure the points for Nigeria.

Despite the result, Gomandi maintained that his team proved they belong on the big stage.Reflecting on the match during his post-game press conference, Gomandi praised his players' tactical execution:

“The performance of my players was great even though we committed the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal,” he told journalists.

“But when you see the gap, the quality and value of one team compared to the other team, how we applied the game in terms of the tactical issues, how we tried to reduce the space, everything was great.”

Gomandi was particularly pleased that his side defied the expectation that they would play purely for a draw against Nigeria’s star-studded frontline.

“I think we surprised so many people because they thought we will come here to pack the bus which is not my philosophy,” the coach insisted.

“My style is to try to convince the players that they can defend, you must defend even more, but we need to attack and not respect the opponent too much.”