Taifa Stars players have been rewarded with 500 Tanzanian Shillings by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for qualifying for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Taifa Stars secured their spot by holding Algeria to a 0-0 draw, marking their third appearance in the continental competition. President Samia expressed her joy and congratulated the team on social media.

“You have written the history. This is our third time to qualify since the establishment of this tournament. I wish you all the best,” President Samia stated.

The crucial match saw Taifa Stars stand firm against Algeria, denying them victory and making a mark in Tanzanian football history.

Saidi Yakubu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, confirmed the 500 million shillings reward from the head of state.

Yakubu who travelled with the team to Algiers revealed that the funds are already in the custody of his ministry and ready for disbursement.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also praised Taifa Stars and encouraged Tanzanians to support their national team.

“I am pleased to congratulate Taifa Stars on qualifying for the African Cup of Nations finals. I also want to take this opportunity to urge my fellow Tanzanians to continue supporting our national team,” Majaaliwa said in Parliament on Friday.

Tanzania’s draw against Algeria was unexpected. The Desert Foxes had a perfect record in their group and were expected to make light work of the visitors but the Tanzanians stood their ground.

Uganda secured a 2-0 win away to Niger but missed out on the continental tournament. This marks Taifa Stars’ third qualification, with previous appearances in 1980 and 2019.

In the 2019 AFCON finals that were staged in Egypt, they exited the competition in the group stage after losses to Kenya, Senegal, and Algeria.

Tanzania is coached by former Harambee Stars head coach Adel Amrouche who led Kenya to CECAFA success in 2013. He was appointed Tanzanian head coach in March 2023.