Dar es Salaam – Tanzania’s Women’s National Football Team, Twiga Stars, took a major step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing an impressive 2–0 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg played at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
The hosts dominated the encounter from start to finish, showing composure, tactical discipline, and attacking intent throughout the first half.
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Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when Aisha Mnunka opened the scoring after finishing off a clever pass from Opah Clement, giving Tanzania a deserved lead that they maintained until halftime.
Ethiopia started the second half with renewed urgency, pressing high in search of an equaliser. However, the Twiga Stars remained resolute in defence and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Their effort was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Jamila Rajab doubled the advantage with a composed finish, effectively sealing victory for the home side.
Despite Ethiopia’s late push to reduce the deficit, Tanzania held firm to maintain their clean sheet and secure a commanding first-leg win.
Head coach Bakari Shime praised his players for their discipline and determination, noting that the team’s focus will now shift to maintaining their momentum in the return leg.
The decisive second leg will take place next week at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The aggregate winner over the two matches will advance to the 2026 WAFCON finals, marking another significant milestone in the Twiga Stars’ growing reputation as one of East Africa’s leading women’s football sides.
With confidence high and a two-goal cushion, Tanzania now stand on the verge of making history once again.
