Shime hails Twiga’s character

DAR ES SALAAM: TWIGA Stars Head Coach Bakari Shime has praised his players for their composure, discipline and determination, following their impressive 2–0 victory over Ethiopia on Wednesday at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The win gave Tanzania a crucial first-leg advantage in their bid to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

“We faced a tough opponent who played with great intensity and organisation, but I am proud of how my players handled the pressure, especially in the second half,” said Shime shortly after the final whistle.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Shime admitted that the match was far from easy. Twiga Stars struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, with Ethiopia pressing aggressively and dictating portions of play.

“The first half was not at the level we expected, as we played at a slower pace and allowed Ethiopia too much room, but the players showed great character to adjust after the break,” he explained.

And adjust they did. After halftime, Tanzania returned with renewed focus and tactical sharpness, dominating possession and creating several scoring chances. Their persistence paid off and they finished with a clean sheet.

Twiga Stars got first goal through Aisha Mnunka who opened the scoring with a composed finish, sending the home fans into celebration.

Moments into the second half, Jamila Rajabu doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range strike — a goal that not only sealed the win but also showcased Tanzania’s attacking flair and growing confidence.

The 2–0 victory gave the Twiga Stars a valuable cushion heading into the return leg. However, Shime remained cautious, urging his players not to lose focus ahead of the trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“We must stay grounded and continue to work hard,” he warned. “The job is not done yet.”

Team Captain Opa Clement echoed her coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s motivation to build on their strong home performance.

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“This victory gives us energy and belief to fight even harder,” said Clement. “We will go back to training, correct our mistakes, and prepare better for the return match.”

With a two-goal advantage and renewed momentum, the Twiga Stars will travel to Ethiopia on October 28 determined to finish the job and secure their place at the 2026 WAFCON finals.