Rayvanny pleads for goalkeeper to receive promised car after Tanzania’s CHAN exit
Bongo Flava star Rayvanny has called on Tanzanian politician Albert Chalamila, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, to honour his pledge of gifting a Toyota Crown to Taifa Stars goalkeeper despite the team’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday, August 22, 2025.
The goalkeeper, Yakuob Suleiman, had been promised the luxury car if he kept a clean sheet during the highly anticipated clash at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
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While Morocco eventually broke the deadlock in the 65th minute through Oussama Lamlioui, Rayvanny believes the goalkeeper’s heroics throughout the match were still worthy of recognition.
Speaking during an interview with YouTuber Rickymedia on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Tetema hitmaker described the Taifa Stars’ campaign as historic and insisted that the goalkeeper deserved the promised reward.
“But I had the idea that if possible, the Crown, which the keeper was promised, should still be given. I saw him save many goals, and I feel he deserves that car. All in all, Tanzania has done well to reach this level. It is not bad at all. I loved that even after losing, fans still cheered their team. Personally, I was hurt by Morocco knocking us out, but results are part of football, and if you want to be a competitor, you must accept all outcomes,” he said.
Rayvanny added that the Taifa Stars’ participation in CHAN was already a milestone worth celebrating since merely reaching the quarterfinals represented growth for Tanzanian football.
He also noted that the packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was proof of how deeply Tanzanians love their national team, saying the turnout reflected a new wave of unity and pride in local football.
“The most important thing is that this is history, and for me, also being part of CHAN is history. These are achievements. For us to enter this tournament and reach the stage we did is also an achievement, and I saw people flocking to watch the match, which shows how much they love their team. I believe that God is watching, and Taifa Stars will go far. They fought hard in that match,” he added.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with both sides battling for control in front of a charged home crowd in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania registered 11 shots compared to Morocco’s nine, but only two were on target. Despite the Taifa Stars’ resilient defending and spirited counterattacks, Morocco found their moment in the 65th minute when Lamlioui struck decisively, leaving the hosts chasing the game until the final whistle.
The closing stages turned physical, with Tanzania’s Feisal Salum and Nassor Hamoud booked in stoppage time, while Morocco also saw Lamlioui and Mohamed Moufid cautioned.
In total, six yellow cards were issued during the match, which saw 33 fouls committed but no red cards shown.
The result ended Tanzania’s impressive run in the competition, which had seen them top their group and ignite widespread national support. Their elimination came just hours after co-hosts Kenya bowed out against Madagascar, ending East Africa’s hopes in the knockout stages.
Despite the heartbreak, Rayvanny noted that Taifa Stars had made the country proud with their determination and progress in the tournament, urging leaders and fans alike to continue supporting the team as they build for the future.
Morocco now proceeds to the semifinals, continuing their chase for a third CHAN title, while Tanzania reflects on a campaign that showcased its growing footballing strength and unity.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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