Tanzania loses to Iran in a friendly match
The Taifa Stars of Tanzania lost to Iran 2-0 in an international friendly match on Tuesday at Rashid Stadium in Dubai.
Iran took the lead after 17 minutes thanks to a penalty kick from Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh. Inside the area, Muhammad Mohebi was pulled down, and the referee indicated the location. Despite their best efforts to regroup and move forward, the Taifa Stars were unable to find a way to even the score.
Iran took a 2-0 lead after defender Ibrahim Hamd later stopped Mohebi’s effort after 26 minutes. Tanzania made substitutions in the second half, as Lusajo Mwaikenda replaced Israel Mwenda, Charles M’Mombwa replaced Abdul Sopu, and Morice Abraham replaced Feisal Salum.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh, an Iranian substitute, later scored another goal but was disqualified for a handball.
Iran defeated 2-1 to Russia in another international encounter last week, and they are currently ranked 21st in the most recent FIFA rating. The game was also used by Tanzania to get ready for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which will take place from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
