WAFCON: Tanzania know what is at stake for Ethiopia qualifier – Shime

Tanzania women’s national team head coach Bakari Shime has urged Twiga Stars to complete the job when they face Ethiopia in the return leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.

Twiga Stars will head into the return enjoying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg played in Tanzania a fortnight ago. Shime has expressed satisfaction with both the team’s mental focus and physical readiness, confirming that all players are fit and in good spirits.

“The team is in great shape and everyone is fit. What pleases me most is their focus and maturity. They understand what’s at stake and how to handle the pressure,” said Shime as quoted by Daily News.

Tanzania beat Ethiopia 2-0 in the first leg

“They showed real discipline and intelligence. In the past, we might have rushed things, but now there’s patience in how we build play. That’s a sign of growth,”

“We are treating the 2026 WAFCON qualification as part of our build-up towards the Olympic Games to be staged in the United States. The players are learning to stay calm under pressure, that’s the kind of maturity we need at international level.”

In the first leg, Twiga Stars scored through Jamila Rajab from sustained pressure on Ethiopia’s defence, before Aisha Mnunka wrapped up the 2-0 win with a clinical finish in the second half.

Victory on aggregate will secure Tanzania a place at the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.