Tanzania confirm 21-player squad for Women’s Under-20 World Cup challenge

Tanzania have confirmed a 21-player squad for their first appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with Bakari Shime selecting the same group that secured qualification for the tournament in Poland.

The Tanzanian side will face a demanding Group B campaign against Brazil, Canada and England as they attempt to upset the established order and reach the knockout stage.

Tanzania are the second African nation to discover the Women’s Under-20 World Cup this year, and their qualification represents a major milestone for the team. Despite entering the competition for the first time, the players led by Bakari Shime are targeting a place in the second round.

The squad includes Kizanguzi Bahati in attack, Charles Winfrida in midfield and Makamba Edina in defence. They will form part of a team hoping to respond to the ambitions of their group opponents and compete beyond the opening stage.

Shime has retained the entire squad that delivered qualification, a decision designed to preserve the unity and understanding built during that campaign. The 21 players selected are divided between three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders and five forwards.

Tanzania squad for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Goalkeepers: Khamis Nusra, Manyerere Mariam, Ngeya Rhobi

Defenders: Damas Neema, Makamba Edina, Omary Asha, Mnally Diana, Maseke Ester, Mapunda Veronica, John Milembe, Castor Winifrida

Midfielders: Kabambo Lidya, Mwimi Elizabeth, Charles Winfrida, Salum Alia, Bazil Christer

Forwards: Gerald Winfrida, Ubamba Hasnath, Siyame Marone, Kizanguzi Bahati, Mnunduka Jamila

The decision to keep the qualifying squad intact gives Tanzania continuity before their historic tournament campaign. Bakari Shime will rely on that cohesion as his players prepare to meet three of the competition’s most prominent opponents in Group B.

Brazil, Canada and England stand between Tanzania and a place in the next round, but the team’s selection reflects a clear intention to build on the work that earned them qualification rather than make major changes before the tournament.

For the Tanzanian players, the competition will provide an opportunity to test themselves on the international stage for the first time at this level. Their challenge begins in Poland, where they will seek to make an impression against a group containing Brazil, Canada and England.