DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA women’s national football team, Twiga Stars, have entered the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) before next week’s departure to Morocco.
The team is currently in a residential camp in Karatu District of Manyara Region, where players are undergoing intensive tactical and physical training, as the technical bench fine-tunes plans for the continental tournament.
Twiga Stars face a daunting challenge in Group C alongside defending champions South Africa, as well as other strong sides – Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
Tanzania will begin the campaign against South Africa on July 27 before facing Burkina Faso on July 31. They will conclude the group stage against Ivory Coast on August 4.
Head Coach Bakari Shime said the squad is in good condition and fully focused, looking forward to travel arrangements.
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“We are in the final phase of our preparations. Once the travel schedule and flight arrangements are confirmed, we will officially announce the team’s departure for Morocco,” Shime said.
He noted that Karatu camp has provided the technical bench with an opportunity to assess players’ fitness, identify the strongest combinations and build a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“This camp has helped us improve teamwork, communication and discipline, while ensuring every player understands her role on the pitch. These are key elements for success in a tournament of this magnitude,” he said.
Shime added that thorough preparations will also help the team adapt quickly to conditions in Morocco, noting that success at WAFCON often depends on tactical discipline, concentration and the ability to execute the coach’s game plan.
“Being drawn in a group with South Africa, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast means we must be fully prepared both physically and mentally. We know the challenge ahead, but we are determined to compete,” he said.
Beyond the competition, Shime said Twiga Stars participation at WAFCON would inspire more girls across Tanzania to embrace football and view sport as a pathway to talent development, empowerment and professional opportunities.