Tanzania coach Suleiman Hemed reacts to ‘tough’ TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON draw
Tanzania U-20 head coach Suleiman Hemed Morocco has acknowledged the difficult task ahead after his side was drawn in a challenging Group A at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
The draw, held in Cairo on Sunday, placed Tanzania alongside hosts Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Sierra Leone—forming one of the most competitive groups in the tournament.
Reacting to the outcome in an exclusive interview with CafOnline.com, Morocco said he had anticipated a tough group and was preparing his squad for a serious challenge.
“We saw the group and it was what we were expecting and waiting for. Honestly, it’s not an easy group for us—and all three groups are strong,” the Tanzania coach said.
“Everyone wants to win the cup so let’s just see how we will face our opponents on the pitch.”
The tournament will take place from 27 April to 18 May 2025, featuring 13 teams across three groups.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarter-finals.
The four semi-finalists will also earn a coveted spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.
For Tanzania, reaching the knockout stages would mark significant progress at the continental level. However, Coach Morocco stressed that proper preparation will be key to competing with the tournament’s elite.
“The big issue for us now is how we can prepare our team very well to compete with the others and excel,” he said.
“We take our group seriously to make sure we are going to compete with anyone we meet—and make sure we are going to win.”
Group A will see Tanzania square off against an Egypt side buoyed by home support, a talented Zambian outfit, a rejuvenated South African squad, and debutants Sierra Leone, who will be keen to prove their worth.
Coach Morocco’s emphasis on readiness and mentality reflects the growing ambition of Tanzanian football at youth level.
With high stakes and limited margins for error, Tanzania will be eager to make their presence felt and chase one of the four tickets to the U-20 World Cup.