Tanzania’s U17 women’s national team, Serengeti Girls, will go head-to-head with Zambia in a crucial FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier tomorrow at Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to journalists today, March 8, 2025, both coaches and players shared their final preparations and expectations for the match.
Serengeti Girls' head coach, Bakari Shime, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, assuring fans that they are fully prepared to fight for victory.
“It’s going to be a tough match, but we are well-prepared. We know Zambia very well—last year, they beat us at their home, and we won here. Unfortunately, they advanced on goal difference, but this time, we are determined to change the outcome,” Shime said.
He emphasized the advantage of playing at home, urging fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team.
“Our supporters can play a big role in boosting the players’ morale. Zambia has a strong squad that played in last year’s World Cup, while we have also been there before. Now, our goal is to qualify again,” he added.
On the other side, Zambia’s head coach, Carlo Kanyemba, admitted that facing Tanzania will not be easy, but he remains confident in his team’s preparations.
“We expect a tough match, but we have done our homework. We have strengthened our squad by introducing 14 new players, and we believe they will help us achieve our qualification target,” Kanyemba stated.
Zambia’s player, Mercy Chipasula, echoed her coach’s sentiments, expressing confidence in their ability to secure a win.
“We have prepared well, and we are coming for victory,” she said.
With both teams eager to advance, tomorrow’s match promises to be a thrilling contest between two determined sides.