Twiga Stars coach hails his buoyant side

TWIGA Stars Head Coach, Bakari Shime, has hailed his players after getting a crucial 1-1 draw against defending champions South Africa.
It was a match of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco that took place on Friday night.
In the first game, Twiga Stars were defeated 1-0 by Mali, and the fact is that from the start, Tanzania were viewed as underdogs.
However, the team produced a spirited performance to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
It was Opah Clement who gave Tanzania a surprise lead in the 24th minute, rising above the defence to head home a pinpoint delivery from Ester Maseke off a set piece, sparking wild celebrations on the Tanzanian bench.
“We dominated possession and created more chances compared to our last game,” he added.
“This was a real fight, and earning a point against the African champions is no small feat.”
Shime also highlighted the mental strength shown by his players in bouncing back from the Mali defeat.
“After the loss to Mali, it wasn’t easy to lift morale, but the players responded positively. They stayed focused and showed they are not just here to participate, but to compete. This draw is a testament to their character and belief.”
Despite South Africa controlling much of the possession, Tanzania’s tactical discipline and defensive resilience were on full display.
Goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa stood out with a string of outstanding saves, including a double stop late in the first half to deny Kgaelebane Mohlakoana.
South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on attackers Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe. The adjustments paid off in the 70th minute when Ramalepe delivered a dangerous corner that Bambanani Mbane converted to equalise.
Twiga Stars’ challenge intensified in the 84th minute when midfielder Elizabeth Chenge received a second yellow card, reducing Tanzania to ten players.
However, they held firm under pressure, with Julitha Singano marshalling the backline and Idrisa continuing to frustrate the Banyana Banyana forwards.
South Africa pushed for a winner in the dying minutes, but Tanzania held on bravely to secure a valuable point.
With the final group match against Ghana looming, Shime said the next match is like a final.
“There’s no other option. We must fight with everything we have. The players understand the task ahead,” he added.
The draw leaves Group C wide open. Mali and South Africa are tied at four points each, while Tanzania and Ghana have one point apiece following their 1-1 draw.
Tanzania must beat Ghana in the final round to have any hope of progressing.