Twiga Stars face Togo today
Twiga Stars players celebrate after scoring in the past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The match has been scheduled to take place at the Azam Complex and will kick off at 4pm.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's national women's senior football team (Twiga Stars) today face Togo in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
The match has been scheduled to take place at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam and will kick off at 4pm.
Twiga Stars head coach Bakari Shime said he is optimistic about winning the encounter, noting that his players have trained well ahead of the encounter and will not let Tanzanians down.
“The players are ready for the match. We are playing against one of the toughest teams in the competition.
“It is my first time to face Togo, who have impressive results in the qualifying rounds. So, we are not underestimating them,” said Shime.
He explained that they are taking the encounter seriously, and victory is their target, calling upon all football lovers to turn up in large numbers at the Azam Complex to support the team in the encounter.
The aggregate winner of the match will qualify directly for the Afcon finals. The second leg will be held on December 5 at the Stade de Kegue in Lome, Togo.
The famous Tanzanian coach selected 24 players tasked to make Tanzania qualify for the Afcon finals for the second time. The players are goalkeepers: Naijat Abas, Zulfa Makau, both from JKT Queens, and Husna Mtunda from Yanga Princess. Defenders are Julietha Singano who plays for Mexico’s side Juarez, Anastazia Katunzi, Christer Bahera, Vaileth Nicholaus, Happy Hezron (all from JKT Queens) and Fatma Issa of Simba Queens.
Midfielders are Diana Mnali, Stumai Abdalla, Ester Mabanza, Joyce Lema, Janeth Christopher, Amina Bilal, Eto Hamisi, and Winifrida Gerald, all from JKT Queens.
Enekia Kasonga, currently with Eastern Flames of Saudi Arabia, and Aisha Juma from Simba Queens add flair to the midfield, along with Diana Lucas, who plies her trade for the Turkish side, Ameds F.K.
The striking force of Twiga Stars comprises Aisha Masaka, who features for BK Hacken of Sweden, Donisia Minja, Jamila Rajabu (both from JKT Queens), and Opah Clement, who plays for Beskitas of Turkey.
The Afcon qualifier holds immense significance for Twiga Stars. Shime's carefully selected squad reflects a balance of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and striking prowess.
Hopes are high as Twiga Stars embark on this journey, showcasing the diverse talent that forms the backbone of women's football in Tanzania.
