Blow for Twiga Stars as Brighton's Aisha Masaka ruled out of WAFCON

Aishi Masaka: Photo Credit - Brighton & Hove Albion women’s team.

Tanzania women’s national team, the Twiga Stars, have suffered a major setback ahead of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco, with forward Aisha Masaka ruled out due to injury.

The Brighton & Hove Albion player announced she will miss the upcoming tournament due to a knee injury, dashing her long-held dream of representing her country on the continental stage.

“It’s difficult to describe in words the pain I am feeling right now,” she wrote on her social media accounts. “But let me simply say, the WAFCON finals were a dream I had wished for, for a long time – a dream to wear my country’s jersey and fight shoulder to shoulder with my teammates for our flag.

“It is an enormous heartbreak for me, not only physically, but even more so mentally and emotionally, because I know this is something I prayed for and worked towards for a long time.”

Despite the upset of missing out on the tournament, Masaka remained positive by saying: “I believe everything happens for a reason and God’s will is always greater than our human plans.

“I will continue to fight to heal and return to the pitch with renewed strength, a fresh heart and even more determination than before.”

She also took a moment to thank those who have supported her through this difficult period. I sincerely thank the fans, my family, friends and teammates for your prayers, love and encouraging words. Your support gives me the reason to keep standing strong and not give up.”

She further wished Twiga Stars all the best in their quest to have a superb campaign in the tournament: “I believe my fellow players will continue to give their all and represent our nation with pride, just as they did during the CECAFA tournament.

 “Let’s go Twiga Stars! All Tanzanians are behind you, we wish you all the best and every success in this competition.”

Tanzania are in Group C, and will open their campaign against Mali on Monday. They will also face Ghana and South Africa.