Tanzania’s U-17 women’s national team, Serengeti Girls, is determined to maintain its winning momentum as they prepare to face Jamaica in their second match of the UEFA U18 (WU18 Friendship Cup) in Morocco.
Head Coach Bakari Shime expressed confidence in his team following their narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Lebanon in their opening match.
The win, he said, has given the players a morale boost as they continue to compete in the prestigious international tournament.
“The victory against Lebanon was important for us, not only because it gave us three points but also because it strengthened the team’s confidence. We are now focusing on our next match against Jamaica, and we are determined to perform even better,” Shime said.
The Serengeti Girls will face Jamaica, a team that suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Finland in their opening game.
Despite Jamaica’s previous loss, Shime has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents, emphasizing that every match in the tournament presents a new challenge.
“We are preparing thoroughly because we know Jamaica will come into the match eager to recover from their first loss. Our focus is on improving our performance from the first game and ensuring we get another positive result,” he added.
Shime highlighted that the team’s participation in the tournament is not only about competing but also about gaining valuable international experience.
He pointed out that such competitions expose young players to high-level football, helping them grow and improve their skills.
“Our objective is to learn, gain experience, and improve our tactical and technical abilities. Playing against strong teams from different continents provides a great opportunity for our players to develop,” he explained.
Midfielder Lydia Maximilian echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for their hard-earned victory over Lebanon.
She acknowledged that there were some mistakes in their previous game but assured fans that the team is working to correct them ahead of the Jamaica clash.
“We are happy with the three points, but we know there are areas we need to improve. We have been working on our mistakes, and we are confident that we will play even better in the next game,” Lydia stated.
Tanzania is participating in the UEFA U18 Friendship Cup as a guest team, an opportunity that underscores the country’s growing recognition in international women’s football.
The tournament serves as a platform for young talents to showcase their abilities while competing against some of the best teams in their age category.
As the Serengeti Girls prepare for their second match, Tanzanian fans remain hopeful that the team will continue its impressive start and take another step closer to the tournament’s knockout stage.
