Twiga Stars close to COSAFA Women’s quarters

THE National Women’s Team ‘Twiga Stars failed to sail to COSAFA Women’s Championship quarters after Monday’s barren draw to Botswana at Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Twiga Stars must wait for the last encounter against the Group C leaders Malawi to sail to the quarter-finals.

Yesterday’s results have pulled Tanzania second on the table behind Malawi, who have both registered four points, but Malawi are superior by goal difference.

Malawi took the lead in Group C after thrashing Comoros 6-0 at the same venue and successfully accumulated four points.

Tabitha Chawinga, who scored a hat trick, was named player of the match.

Malawi have picked a win against Comoros and a draw against Botswana in the first encounter. However, that encounter with Malawi ended with a 1-1 draw at Madibaz.

Tanzania secured a 3-0 win against Comoros in the first encounter at Madibaz Stadium.

Twiga Stars banked their victory through Donisia Minja in the 13th minute and Enekia Lunyamila, who scored a brace in the 41st and 52nd minutes of the game. Lunyamila’s brace gave her the player of the match award.

The results have intensified the contest for a team seeking a quarter-final slot.

This is because Tanzania, who are second, have similar points, but Malawi are superior by a three-goal difference.

At third are Botswana, who have bagged two points; if they secure a win over Comoros, they will advance to the quarters.

This makes the match between Tanzania against Malawi to be more intense as will determine who will advance to the quarters. The game will be staged this Wednesday at Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakele.

Botswana have a game against Comoros, who are tailing at the bottom of the Group C table.

Most would see the match in favour of Botswana following Comoros’ poor performance in this year’s tournament, but still, Botswana will have to work hard to win as Comorians have vowed to save the honour through their last encounter.

Through their Instagram page, Comoros remarked: “Another defeat for the Comorians who bow 6-0 against Malawi.

To save honour, the Comoros national women’s team will face Botswana on Wednesday, September 7, for the final day of the group stage.”