Tanzanian women’s football team Twiga Stars beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in their WAFCON qualification match, needing only a draw in the second leg to advance. The team rallied after trailing in the first half, scoring three goals in the second half. Equatorial Guinea’s historical strength at home presents challenges for Twiga Stars in the upcoming return leg.
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars launched their qualification campaign for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) successfully by defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-1. Despite falling behind 1-0 after a stunning goal by Getruede Engueme in the 42nd minute, Twiga Stars rallied in the second half to secure the win. Stumai Abdallah, Enekia Lunyamila, and Diana Msewa scored for Tanzania, enhancing their chances of advancing to the next round with a draw needed in the second leg.
The match, held on February 20, 2025, showcased Tanzania’s resilience after a challenging first half where Equatorial Guinea exerted strong midfield pressure. Strategic substitutions by head coach Bakari Shime significantly shifted the game’s momentum in favor of Twiga Stars. Shortly after halftime, Abdallah scored the equalizer, followed by Lunyamila and Msewa sealing the game in the dying moments.
Twiga Stars’ victory at home places them in a favorable position going into the return leg against Equatorial Guinea on February 26, where they can advance with just a draw. However, if Equatorial Guinea manages to win 2-0, Tanzania will face elimination. The upcoming match is crucial as it determines whether Twiga Stars can progress against the winner of Uganda versus Ethiopia.
Historically, Equatorial Guinea has demonstrated strength in home matches and holds a WAFCON title from 2008, adding pressure on Twiga Stars to perform in the away leg. The current tactical weaknesses exhibited by Equatorial Guinea, particularly in midfield and attack, could potentially be exploited by the Tanzanian team, increasing their chances of success in subsequent rounds.
In summary, Tanzania’s Twiga Stars secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, boosting their chances for WAFCON qualification. The team’s ability to rally in the second half exemplifies their potential moving forward. A single draw in the return leg will be sufficient for advancement, yet they must remain vigilant against Equatorial Guinea’s home advantage.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
