The age-old rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania has found fresh fire, this time on the football pitch. A war of words has erupted after Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy took a cheeky swipe at Taifa Stars following Kenya’s narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia.
In his post-match press conference, McCarthy could not resist aiming a dig at Tanzania, who are set to face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the next round.
“Tanzania will get their wish and they will experience what we experienced in the group of death. Now Morocco is going to Tanzania so (thumbs up). I want feedback after the Morocco game so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament, so good luck to Tanzania in the next round,” McCarthy quipped.
Not one to let it slide, Yanga SC’s fiery spokesperson Ali Kamwe clapped back, dismissing Kenya’s coach with trademark bravado:
“Nimeona jana Kocha wa Kenya akisema, Tanzania tutaona walichokutana nacho kwenye kundi la Kifo…. Lile kundi la kifo lile? Sijui Angola, sijui Congo, ni kundi la kifo lile? Yeye ataona kwa Madagascar. Unatutishatisha!… Yeye ndo ataona Madagascar wanafananaje!”
Kamwe doubled down, insisting the Maghreb country are the true underdogs and that facing them is nothing to fear.
This latest showdown is only the newest chapter in Kenya vs. Tanzania’s long-running sibling rivalry.
From music and entertainment to politics, the two neighbors never shy away from friendly and sometimes not-so-friendly competition.
In politics, Nairobi and Dodoma have often clashed over regional influence within the East African Community (EAC), trade routes, and even mega infrastructure projects.
Tanzanian officials have in the past accused Kenya of playing “big brother,” while Kenya often claims Dar es Salaam tries to undercut Nairobi’s dominance as the region’s business hub.
The cultural front has also seen sparks fly. Just last year, Sauti Sol’s Bien found himself in hot soup with Bongo Flava fans after he outperformed one of their stars, Marioo during a couple of events where the two graced.
Many Kenyans were quick to back up Bien, with some stating that Tanzanian music is all about love songs and lacks diversity compared to Kenya’s experimental sound.
Even in entertainment, comparisons never end from who has the bigger music industry, better stadiums, or more vibrant nightlife.
All eyes will now be on Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium when Taifa Stars face Morocco.