Tanzania Women eye World Cup spot

MOROCCO: THE national women’s futsal team faces a defining moment today as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the World Cup finals.

They will battle Cameroon in the Africa ‘WAFCON’ semi-final match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The two finalists will earn their tickets to the prestigious World Cup, set to take place in the Philippines later this year. The other semi-final will feature the host nation, Morocco, taking on Angola.

Tanzania has reached the semifinals as the top team in Group C with an impressive four points, while Cameroon advanced from Group A as one of the best runners-up. Morocco and Angola, both seasoned teams with extensive experience, present a strong challenge Morocco with seven years in the game and Angola with three decades of futsal expertise.

This marks Tanzania’s debut in competitive futsal, with the team having trained for just one month before the tournament. Despite their short preparation, they have exceeded expectations, delivering performances that have left fans in awe.

Coach Curtis Reid is confident as his team prepares for the high-stakes semi-final. Reflecting on their recent match against Senegal, he praised their performance: “The players have corrected many of the mistakes from our first match against Madagascar. We are ready to face anyone and perform at our best. I am proud of how far we have come.”

Reid expressed his admiration for the team’s discipline and growth, emphasising that the few remaining areas to refine are unlikely to pose any significant challenges: “The girls have played with great discipline and have earned their place here.”

Team captain Violeth Nicholaus echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of the upcoming match. “If we win, we will qualify for the World Cup finals. Every player understands the significance of this moment and we are determined to make our dream a reality.”