Gomandi is proud despite Tanzania’s defeat by Nigeria

Manuel Gomandi, the head coach of Tanzania, has praised the Taifa Stars’ tenacity and tactical discipline, saying they went above and beyond expectations even though they lost 2-1 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their AFCON 2025 Group C opener on Tuesday at the Fès Stadium.

Last year’s runners-up, Nigeria, got off to a strong start and took the lead in the 36th minute when center-back Semi Ajayi headed a precise cross from Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi into the goal.

With the goal, Ajayi scored his second goal for the three-time African champions, highlighting his increasing significance as a key member of Nigeria’s defense.

After halftime, Tanzania rallied with determination, and in the 50th minute, Kokola M’mombwa equalized the score by perfectly timing his run, avoiding the offside trap, and coolly sliding past Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria.

It was a brief celebration, though.

Ademola Lookman of the Super Eagles had a moment of individual genius just two minutes later. He scored a magnificent left-footed goal to put Nigeria ahead again in the 52nd minute and give the West African powerhouses all three points.

In his post-match press conference, Gomandi seemed proud despite the loss, emphasizing that his side had come to compete, not to cower.

Gomandi told reporters, “Even though we made the mistake from the corner where we conceded the first goal, the performance of my players was great.”

“But everything was fantastic when you saw the difference, the value and quality of one team in comparison to the other, how we applied the game tactically, and how we tried to reduce the space.”

He also brushed aside claims that Tanzania arrived to take things easy.

He stated, “I think we surprised a lot of people because they thought we were coming here to pack the bus, which is not my philosophy.”

“My approach is to persuade the players that while defense is indeed necessary—even more so—we must attack and show the opposition less respect.”

Tanzania’s audacious strategy caused Nigeria significant issues. Earlier in the second half, Victor Osimhen, who is currently the starting line for Galatasaray at the club level, had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside, demonstrating how stretched the Nigerian attack was by Gomandi’s small but daring system.

Nigeria is already leading Group C following the first day of play, while Tanzania will want to build on their strong performance in their upcoming match.

Gomandi learned from the loss, but the performance gave him confidence.