Tanzania U-20 Women’s team must finish the job

DAR ES SALAAM: THIS is the time to stay focused. The goal is clear – qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Every match counts. Every step matters.

Our players carry the hopes of a nation and the dreams of many young girls across Tanzania. This journey is not easy, but it is possible. The team has shown that they are ready to fight for it.

Tanzania’s U-20 women’s team took a big step forward last weekend. A 4–0 win over Angola is a strong start. It shows what is possible when we play with purpose.

But this is only the first half of the task.

The return leg is on tomorrow. We must go again. We must defend our lead, stay focused and get the result we need. This is how qualification is earned one stage at a time. The team has what it takes. Let’s finish the job.

This Saturday, Tanzania plays the return leg. The assignment is clear – finish what was started. The team must hold their lead and push for an aggregate win.

A slip-up in the second leg would erase all the work done in the first match. Angola will come prepared. They have nothing to lose and everything to play for. Tanzania must match their focus and keep the same energy and discipline.

If we win on aggregate, we progress to the third round. There, we will face the winner between Kenya and Ethiopia. Their first leg ended in a 1–1 draw. Either opponent will be a test, but one that Tanzania must be ready for. This qualification process has no room for comfort. Each stage must be earned.

We have done it before. In 2022, the Tanzania U-17 women’s team qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. That team made it out of the group stage and reached the quarter-finals. It was the first time Tanzania took part in a global tournament on the women’s side. That team made history. They showed that with planning, teamwork and belief, Tanzanian girls can compete at the highest level.

Now, the U-20 team has a chance to follow that path. It is not only about winning one game. It is about progressing step by step, round by round. The goal is qualification. It is possible. The U-17 team proved that. This generation can do the same and even go further.

The nation must rally behind the team. Support matters. Let’s stand behind these young women as they chase a place on the world stage. They carry the flag. They carry the hope of girls across Tanzania who dream of playing football and representing their country.

Let’s push for an aggregate win. Let’s make sure we reach the third round. Let’s go all the way and qualify. The dream is real and it is within reach.