Tanzania’s women’s national football team, Twiga Stars, are turning their attention to the return leg of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after securing a vital 1-0 away victory over Botswana in Gaborone.
Head coach Bakari Shime said the team would focus on correcting weaknesses exposed in the first leg as they prepare to face Botswana again on October 13 in Dar es Salaam, where victory would take Tanzania closer to the next qualifying round.
Twiga Stars claimed the advantage through Opah Clement’s decisive goal in the opening match of the first qualifying round, giving the Tanzanian side a valuable foundation ahead of the home fixture.
Speaking after the match, Shime said the away victory was an important first step but insisted that his players must remain focused and improve their efficiency in front of goal to secure qualification.
He identified the conversion of scoring opportunities as a key area requiring attention, noting that the team needed to make better use of the chances it creates.
“One area we need to work on is creating more scoring opportunities and converting them into goals. Our opponents rely on long balls and physical strength, but my players fought hard, and I congratulate them,” Shime said.
The coach described Botswana as a competitive side that relies on physical play and long passes, adding that Twiga Stars had prepared to match their opponents’ intensity while maintaining their defensive organisation.
He commended his players for implementing the technical bench’s instructions, saying their discipline and determination helped them secure the important away result despite difficult playing conditions.
Shime also pointed to the state of the pitch as one of the challenges that limited Tanzania’s ability to control possession and play their preferred style of football.
However, he said the team adapted by balancing its defensive duties with attacking efforts to protect its advantage and secure victory.
Twiga Stars captain Anastazia Katunzi said the result had boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the return leg, expressing optimism that the players could build on their performance and advance to the next round.
Katunzi acknowledged that the first half had been difficult but said the team improved after the break by following the coach’s instructions more effectively.
“These results mean a lot to us because they give us hope after starting with an away victory. We will prepare well for the home match so that we can win and qualify for the next round,” she said.
With the return leg set for Dar es Salaam, Twiga Stars will seek to capitalise on home advantage, sharpen their finishing and deliver another disciplined performance to keep their Olympic qualification hopes alive.
For Tanzania, the immediate task is clear: turn the narrow first-leg advantage into qualification and maintain momentum in the journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games.