Tanzania U20 coach Mrisho: 'We want to qualify for the World Cup — then win the U20 AFCON'
After lifting the CECAFA U-20 Championship earlier this year, the Tanzanian side enters the tournament with confidence, ambition, and a clear mission: reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup and, if possible, go all the way.
Grouped in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, two-time winners Zambia, debutants Sierra Leone, and powerhouses South Africa, Tanzania face one of the toughest draws in the competition.
But Coach Mohammed Mrisho Mohammed believes his squad is mentally and tactically prepared for the challenge.
This is Tanzania's second appearance at the U-20 AFCON, and the country's football authorities see it as a critical step in developing youth talent, building international exposure, and positioning Tanzanian football on the global stage.
In this exclusive Q&A with CAFOnline.com, Coach Mohammed shares his thoughts on the group, Tanzania's ambitions, and why the U-20 AFCON is such a vital platform for the country's footballing future. Q: Tanzania won the CECAFA U-20 Championship. How has that built your team's confidence?
A: Yes, we won the CECAFA U-20 Championship, and it has really boosted our confidence. That tournament was very competitive and helped our players believe in themselves. It allowed us to measure ourselves against strong teams in our region. Of course, we know the level at the U-20 AFCON is higher, with countries that have a deeper footballing infrastructure, but the CECAFA victory gave us the belief that we can compete and succeed at this level. Q: This is Tanzania's second U-20 AFCON. What has changed since your last appearance?
A: Since our last appearance, we've matured tactically and psychologically. Our preparations this time have been more detailed, and our players now understand what it takes to compete at the continental level. We have a clear plan, and we've been working on it for a long time. The experience we gained previously has helped shape a more focused and determined group. Q: Who are the key players driving your team forward?
A: I will not name any individual players as it is all about team work. But I want to assure you that we have a good team with some exciting players who will excite the fans. Q: What are your expectations heading into this group?
A: Honestly, this is a very, very difficult group. We respect every opponent — Egypt, South Africa, Zambia, Sierra Leone — all strong teams. But we've prepared our players to fight, to give everything, and to stay focused. We're not here to just participate. We want to progress. It will take hard work, but we believe in our ability. Q: What are the tactical principles you are emphasizing with your players?
A: Discipline, compactness, and the ability to transition quickly — both in attack and defence. We understand the quality of the teams in our group, so we've focused on keeping shape, being aggressive in recovery, and maximizing our chances when we have the ball. Q: How do you plan to compete against more established nations in Group A?
A: We recognize that the other teams in our group have strong youth programs and very talented players. But this is football, and anything can happen. We've prepared our team to respect our opponents but not fear them. Our mission is to compete — and to win. We are focused on executing our plan, step by step. Q: What is your team's biggest strength going into the tournament?
A: Our biggest strength is the belief we've built in the squad — that we can succeed together. The team spirit, the hunger to make history, and the unity among the players are what give us confidence. We know we are underdogs, but we are ready. Q: How are you balancing ambition with realism as you face experienced teams?
A: We know the journey won't be easy. But we have high hopes. We also understand we need to work very hard to reach our targets. It's important to be ambitious but also realistic. This group is strong, and we need to give 100% in every match to survive and advance. Q: What are the goals Tanzania has set for this AFCON?
A: Our number one goal is to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. That's the first mission. After that, our second goal is to try and win the tournament. Every nation here has its own ambition. Ours is to make history for Tanzania by reaching the World Cup and showing that we can be competitive against the best in Africa. Q: How important is this tournament for the development of Tanzanian football?
A: This tournament is very important. It's not just about winning — it's about development. AFCON gives our players the platform to show their talent to the world. It helps them gain exposure and maybe get opportunities to play abroad. For Tanzanian football, it pushes our youth program forward. For the individual players, it opens the door to something bigger. That's why it means so much to us.
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