Tanzania target first COSAFA Women’s Championship title

The Twiga Stars of Tanzania will be all out to try and win their first COSAFA Women’s Championship title this afternoon when they face Malawi.

Tanzania ejected Zambia 3-2 at the semi final stage after a 1-1 draw, while Malawi shocked 2020 champions South Africa 3-2 in the second semi-final.

But the stakes promise to be higher at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this afternoon as the Twiga Stars come all out to try to re-write history. “We have played in this tournament since 2019 and never got this far. This is the time we must win this trophy now,” said Tanzania’s coach Bakari Nyundo Shime.

The coach made it clear that playing in a final is not like playing at the other levels. “The stakes will be very high and we must take our chances. Malawi play almost like Zambia and we know it will be a tough match. But my players are ready to deliver,” added Shime.

Tanzania started the tournament with a 3-0 win against Zimbabwe, before stopping 2020 runners up Botswana 2-0 and ending the group matches with a 3-0 victory against South Sudan.

But Malwi’s coach Mcnelbert Kadzuwa made it clear that his team will not be easy to beat. “We are like a hungry lion now. After stopping South Africa at the semi final, we are determined to go all the way and lift the trophy. We must take the trophy home,” said Kadzuwa.

While Tanzania will look to the inspirational skipper Amina Bilali, Stumai Athuman and Moroccan based professional Mwanahamisi Omary Shurua, the Malawi side will hope that Sabinanh Thom who has netted three goals in the tournament can find her sharpness on the day.

But before the final, South Africa will face Zambia in a play-off match to decide who finishes third. The tournament which kicked off on September 28^th attracted 12 teams.

Leading goalscorers

4 goals – Sibulele Holweni (South Africa)

3 – Stumai Athuman (Tanzania), Grace Chanda (Zambia), Ochumba Lubandji (Zambia), Refiloe Tholakele (Botswana), Sabinah Thom (Malawi)

2 – Margaret Belemu (Zambia), Cidalia Cuta (Mozambique), Melinda Kgadiete (South Africa), Cina Manuel (Mozambique), Donisia Minja (Tanzania), Hasifah Nassuna (Uganda), Rudo Neshamba (Zimbabwe), Mwanahamisi Shurua (Tanzania)