Tanzania will look to complete their mission and secure qualification for the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations when they face Ethiopia in the return leg on Tuesday.
After a convincing 2-0 victory in the first leg in Dar es Salaam, the Twiga Stars hold a strong advantage heading into the decisive fixture in Addis Ababa.
The team aims to confirm its dominance and book a spot in the final tournament.
Jamila Rajab and Aisha Mnunka scored in the first half of the opening match to give Tanzania full control.
Their goals reflected the team’s superior tactical organization and collective discipline, traits that have defined Bakari Shime’s side throughout the qualifiers.
Shime praised his players after the first-leg win, describing their performance as a sign of growing maturity and cohesion within the squad.
The Tanzanian coach highlighted how his team’s understanding of the game has improved significantly, allowing them to manage crucial moments with composure and confidence.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, face a monumental challenge at home. To qualify, they must overturn the two-goal deficit and win by at least three clear goals.
The task appears difficult, especially against a Tanzanian team that has shown defensive stability and strong mental focus.
Despite their advantage, the Twiga Stars refuse to underestimate their opponents. Shime emphasized that his players must remain concentrated and avoid complacency in Addis Ababa.
“We know nothing is certain yet, but the team is ready to deliver a great performance,” he said before traveling to Ethiopia.
Tanzania’s approach combines caution with ambition. The players understand the importance of staying disciplined while capitalizing on scoring chances to silence the Ethiopian crowd early in the game.
The team’s recent form and confidence have raised expectations that Tanzania can secure another historic qualification.
The Ethiopians, urged on by their fans, will rely on fast-paced attacking play and home advantage to unsettle their opponents.
Their resilience and determination could make the encounter tense, especially if they score early to put pressure on the visitors.
For Tanzania, qualification would confirm their growing stature in African women’s football. The Twiga Stars’ recent performances reflect years of investment in youth development and tactical improvement.
Their ability to remain organized under pressure continues to set them apart in regional competitions.
As both teams prepare for the decisive showdown, the focus remains on who can handle the pressure better.
Tanzania’s task may look manageable on paper, but in African football, no lead guarantees safety until the final whistle.
