TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON 2026: Tanzania officially qualifies

Tanzania will take part in the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026.

The Twiga Stars confirmed their rise on the continental stage by convincingly eliminating Ethiopia (2–0 in the first leg, 1–0 in the return).

Two well-controlled wins that reflect the steady progress of an ambitious team now used to commanding respect in East Africa.

A qualification built on discipline and composure

The first leg, played in Dar es Salaam, set the tone. Backed by a large crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Tanzanian side took the lead as early as the 7th minute through Aisha Mnunka, the captain and true heartbeat of the team.

The midfielder—already a heroine during the last CAF African Schools Football Championship won by Tanzania—showed the way forward.

In the second half, Jamila Rajabu sealed the result of the first leg with a precise shot in the 54th minute, confirming the home side’s dominance. Defensively solid, the Twiga Stars managed their advantage calmly against an Ethiopian side often threatening in transition.

The return leg in Addis Ababa looked tricky, but Tanzania demonstrated maturity.

Coach Bakari Shime, known for his tactical discipline, kept his team composed despite Ethiopian pressure. Better still, Tanzania found the breakthrough on the hour mark through Diana Lucas, who had just come on moments earlier.

Path to Qualification – TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026

First Round

Tanzania 3–1 Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea 1–1 Tanzania

Second Round

First leg: Win vs. Ethiopia 2–0

Second leg: Win vs. Ethiopia 1–0Aggregate score: Tanzania wins 3–0

Tanzania at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

First participation: 2010

Number of participations: 3 (2010, 2024 & 2026)

Best performance: Group stage (2010 & 2024)

Head Coach: Bakari Shime

Captain: Opa Clement