Twiga Stars, job is only half done

DAR ES SALAAM: CONGRATULATIONS Twiga Stars for impressive 2–0 victory over Ethiopia in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

It was a performance full of passion, grit and determination, the kind of football that makes the nation proud.

But while the win in Dar es Salaam was a brilliant start, the battle is far from over. The real test awaits on Ethiopian soil and that is where this mission must be completed.

A two-goal cushion is a good advantage, but it is not a guarantee. Football, as we all know, is a game of moments, of discipline and of mentality.

The Twiga Stars must approach the return leg with the same hunger, focus and tactical intelligence that earned them victory at home.

Complacency is the one opponent we must not face. Ethiopia, wounded yet still dangerous, will be fighting for redemption before their home crowd.

They will be stronger, faster and even more determined to turn the tide. That is precisely why Tanzania must rise higher still.

There is no room for fear only respect and readiness. Respect your opponents, yes, for they too have skill and spirit. But do not fear them.

Every challenge they present is an opportunity to exploit their weaknesses, to find the spaces, to press where they falter and to finish what was started in Dar es Salaam.

The Twiga Stars have already shown they can dominate possession, control the tempo and strike with precision. Now they must show they can do it away from home, under pressure, with the stakes higher than ever.

If we secure the aggregate win, it will not only send us through to the 2026 WAFCON, but also mark a backto-back qualification a powerful statement of growth for Tanzanian women’s football.

It will mean continuity, belief and progress. It will mean that the Twiga Stars are no longer hopeful contenders, but a consistent force on the continental stage. So, let the celebrations wait a little longer. The job is not yet done.

Let every player, coach and fan carry the same fire to Ethiopia. Let the cheers turn into resolve. Finish the mission, Twiga Stars, finish it strong, finish it proud and bring the qualification home. The nation stands with you.