Tanzanite Queens ready for decisive Cameroon clash in World Cup qualifier

The Tanzania Women’s U-20 national team, Tanzanite Queens, face one of the biggest matches in their history this evening when they host Cameroon Women’s U-20 National Team in the decisive return leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 EAT, with Tanzania aiming to overturn a 3-1 first-leg defeat suffered in Yaounde last week.

A place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 finals in Poland is at stake, with the global tournament set to take place from September 5 to 27 later this year.

Despite trailing by two goals on aggregate, Tanzanite Queens head coach Bakari Shime remains optimistic that his side can produce a strong performance and keep Tanzania’s World Cup dream alive.

 

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“We know it will not be an easy match because Cameroon are a strong team, but we are also prepared and ready to fight for qualification,” said Tanzanite Queens’ Shime ahead of the encounter.

“This is a very important game for us, for the players, and for Tanzanian football. We still believe we can come back and achieve our dream of reaching the World Cup.”

The coach of the Tanzanite Queens revealed that his technical bench has spent recent days correcting mistakes made during the first leg, especially in defence, while also working on improving the team’s attacking efficiency ahead of the crucial clash.

“We have worked on some areas that cost us in the first match, especially defensively, and we want to be more effective going forward,” he explained.

“Our players understand the importance of this match, and everyone is motivated. Playing at home gives us confidence, and we hope fans will come in big numbers to support the girls.”

Samia, Mwinyi Rally Nation Behind Tanzanite Queens with Free Entry.

The match has already received massive national support after President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi purchased all tickets for the encounter, allowing fans to enter the stadium free of charge.

The move is aimed at boosting morale and ensuring a large crowd turns up to support the young Tanzanian side in their quest for a historic qualification.

This marks the first time President Samia and President Mwinyi have jointly bought match tickets to allow supporters free entry into the stadium for such an important football occasion.

The winner over the two legs will secure qualification for the 24-team FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland, where some of the world’s best young female footballers will compete for global glory.