Tanzania Women’s National Football Team, Twiga Stars, head coach Bakari Shime says improving endurance and finishing ability will be key areas as the team prepares for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Speaking from Morocco, Shime said the team is in good shape but must continue working on fitness levels and goal-scoring efficiency ahead of their opening Group B match against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana next Monday.
The coach made the remarks after Twiga Stars played out a goalless draw against Ghana in a warm-up match, describing the performance as encouraging while acknowledging areas that still require improvement.
“The team played well and I am happy with the performance my players showed during the friendly match against Ghana,” Shime said.
“What we need now is to maintain our attacking philosophy while introducing a stronger defensive approach that requires high endurance, which comes through improved fitness levels.”
Shime added that the team is expected to play two more friendly matches against opponents who are yet to be disclosed as part of final preparations before the tournament begins.
He said the additional matches will provide an opportunity to test the team’s defensive structure and identify any remaining weaknesses.
Twiga Stars have been placed in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and South Africa, with the Tanzanian side targeting a strong performance against some of the continent’s established teams.
Meanwhile, Twiga Stars captain Opa Clement said the increased prize money at the 2026 WAFCON has provided additional motivation for teams competing in the tournament.
The winner of the competition will receive $1 million, while all participating teams are guaranteed financial rewards, with the lowest-ranked team in the group stage set to earn $125,000.
The Spain-based midfielder said while the team’s main objective is to represent Tanzania with pride, the financial incentives have added another level of competitiveness.
“Prize money helps to create a competitive spirit and it will definitely drive us to give our best. My prayer is that we go beyond the group stage, whether there is money or not. With self-belief and determination, anything is possible,” she said.
The tournament also offers a major opportunity for teams, with the top four finishers earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The WAFCON runners-up will receive $500,000, while the third and fourth-placed teams will earn $350,000 and $300,000 respectively.
Teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will take home $200,000, while those finishing second from bottom in the group stage will receive $150,000.
