WAFCON 2024: Shime blames Tanzania defeat to Mali on absence of key players

Tanzania women’s national team coach Bakari Shime believes his side should have grinded out a good result from their opening fixture at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The East African nation kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Mali on their first appearance in the tournament. Mali scored the only goal of the game after the break when midfielder Saratou Traore took advantage of a defensive mistake to hit the back of the net.

Speaking after the game at Stade Municipal de Berkane, Shime bemoaned the absence of key players led by forward Clara Luvanga, captain Opah Clement, and Aisha Masaka.

“It’s true we missed very key players. Unfortunately, two of them couldn’t make it to the tournament,” said Shime as quoted by Daily News. “Aisha picked up an injury in camp, so she was already ruled out.

“But Clara’s injury just two days ago and Opah’s ongoing suspension from two years back – these really affected us. It’s something CAF needs to look into. Carrying over cards for two years into a new competition isn’t fair and it certainly kills a player’s morale.”

On the defeat against Mali, Shime said: “We struggled in the first half, yes. But in the second half we showed bravery, possession and maturity beyond their years.”

Tanzania, will next face defending champions, Banyana Banyana, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Ghana. The Group C fixture will be played at Honneur Stadium on Friday.