Mali, Tanzania face off in battle for redemption
As the sun prepares to set in Berkane on Monday, July 7, the second Group C fixture will get underway with 2018 semifinalists Mali taking on East African side Tanzania at 8:00pm (local time) at the ongoing TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The two teams faced off in 2010 when Tanzania played at their first ever WAFCON with the West Africans emerging as victors following a 3-2 win in a closely-contested second Group A tie. Back then, four goals were scored between the 25th and 32nd minutes with each of the two teams scoring a brace.
A lot has changed since then. Mali missed the next two editions before returning for the WAFCON 2016 where they did not make it past the group stages. Les Aigles then went on to reach the semifinals two years later in Ghana where they eventually finished fourth – their highest finish in the history of the continental competition. For Tanzania, this is their first return to the continent’s biggest showpiece since 2010.
Opportunities anew
When they walk out of the tunnel, it will be for the eighth time in 13 editions. Only once have they made it past the group stages. Mali want to put this lacklustre record behind them and at this year’s edition, they have a brand new chance to remind everyone that they belong here. They want to return to the podium.
But first, they must take on a stubborn Tanzania side that is desperate to make a mark on the continent. With 20 goals under their belt in two rounds of qualifying, Mali are a team that like to express themselves in front of goal. Conceding only thrice, their discipline at the back is also a standout virtue that sets them apart from the pretenders.
“It is always an honour to represent our nation. We are ready to start on a high note in our opening game against Tanzania. This is a big stage but we are here to mean business,” says Aïssata Traoré, the Fleury 91 midfielder who brings the French first division experience to the WAFCON.
Her coach Mohamed Saloum adds with confidence, “The mission is one. We want to go far in this competition. Our plan is to take it one day at a time. We are prepared mentally, physically and ready to get started. Tanzania is an organized team but we also have talented players and our goal is to play as a team. We are in the right mind space and know what we need to do to excel.”
Saloum will be relying on PSG’s Agueicha Diarra, who netted an impressive eight goals in qualification leading all scorers on the continent, to bring her experience into the team fold against Tanzania in pursuit of an early three points in Group C.
East Africa’s flagbearers
Being the only team from the East African region means that Tanzania are not representing just themselves but the entire CECAFA bloc. They are wearing a regional responsibility that means they must deliver in a tricky Group C that also has the reigning African champions South Africa and West African giants Ghana.
“We are back to the WAFCON. It has been a really long time since we were here. The morale is very high within the camp. We face Mali in our opening game and for us as a team, this will be our first appearance. The coach has done his job, we started our preparations a long time ago and now it is the perfect time to execute on everything that we have been told,” explained Anastazia Katunzi, the vice captain of the Twiga Stars.
Tanzania, however, will be without star players Clement Opa who is suspended for this tie as well as Clara Luvanga who did not take part in Sunday’s training at the Terrain Centre Federal in Saidia where the team has their base and is under review by the medical team.
Opa netted three goals in qualification including one against Côte d’Ivoire and a brace past Togo in the final round of qualification.
Head coach Bakari Shime will have to rely on the evergreen Stumai Abdallah, Aisha Mnuka, Jamila Rajab and Elizabeth Chenge to bring a spark to this encounter against Mali.