FOR decades, Tanzania’s women’s national football team, the Twiga Stars, have carried the hopes of a nation still carving its identity on the continental women’s football stage. Their participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has often come against a backdrop of limited resources, modest expectations and powerful opposition.

Yet, each appearance has represented more than just results on the pitch - it has symbolised growth, resilience and the steady rise of women’s football in Tanzania.

As Twiga Stars prepare once again to compete at WAFCON in Morocco, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, their journey reflects a broader story of persistence and gradual progress. From early struggles to becoming regular qualifiers, Tanzania’s women have slowly transformed from underdogs into a side capable of challenging more established African teams.

Tanzania first tasted WAFCON football in the early years of the tournament when women’s football across Africa was still developing. Those initial appearances were tough learning experiences. Facing nations such as Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa - countries with stronger domestic leagues and long-standing investment in the women’s game - Twiga Stars often found themselves overmatched. Heavy defeats were common, and progression beyond the group stage proved elusive.

However, those early setbacks laid the foundation for growth. The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), under pressure from regional and continental bodies, gradually increased focus on the women’s game. Grassroots programmes, school competitions and regional tournaments began to feed talent into the national setup. While progress was slow, it was steady.

One of the most significant milestones for Twiga Stars came with improved performances in CECAFA Women’s Championships, where Tanzania established itself as a competitive force in East and Central Africa. Success at regional level boosted confidence and belief, and more importantly, provided regular competitive matches - something that had been missing for years. These experiences translated into more composed displays at WAFCON qualifiers and finals.

In recent editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Twiga Stars have shown signs of tactical maturity and improved organisation. Although advancing deep into the tournament has remained a challenge, Tanzania have become harder to beat. Matches are no longer approached with survival as the sole objective; instead, the team has shown intent to compete, press and attack, even against higher-ranked opponents.

Participation in WAFCON has also been crucial in exposing Tanzanian players to top-level African football. Facing world-class players - many of whom ply their trade in Europe and North America - has accelerated individual development. Several Twiga Stars players have gone on to secure opportunities abroad or attract interest from stronger domestic leagues within Africa, raising the overall standard of the squad.

Beyond the pitch, Twiga Stars’ presence at WAFCON has played an important role in changing perceptions of women’s football back home. Each qualification sparks national debate, media attention and renewed calls for better support. Young girls see role models representing Tanzania on the continental stage, helping to break long-standing cultural barriers that once limited female participation in sport.

The Morocco-hosted WAFCON presents both an opportunity and a stern test for Tanzania. Drawn against seasoned teams such as South Africa, along with competitive sides like Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, Twiga Stars face a demanding group. South Africa, former champions and one of Africa’s strongest teams, represent the benchmark. For Tanzania, matches against such opponents offer a chance to measure progress and test tactical discipline under pressure.

Crucially, this edition of WAFCON carries extra weight as it also serves as qualification for the Women’s World Cup, with Africa’s top four teams securing places on the global stage. While World Cup qualification remains an ambitious target, Tanzania’s participation alone places them among the continent’s elite and reinforces their long-term vision.

Preparation has become increasingly professional in recent years. Improved training camps, better fitness regimes and exposure to international friendlies have strengthened the team’s readiness. The technical bench has focused on blending experienced players with emerging talent, ensuring continuity while injecting energy and pace. Defensive organisation, transitional play and set-piece efficiency - areas that once exposed Twiga Stars - have received particular attention.

Still, challenges remain. Limited funding, fewer competitive domestic fixtures and restricted access to high-quality facilities continue to affect development. Compared to continental powerhouses, Tanzania’s women’s league is still evolving, and many national team players lack regular high-intensity competition. Addressing these gaps is essential if Twiga Stars are to consistently advance beyond the group stages at WAFCON.

Yet, history suggests that Tanzania thrive when underestimated. Past tournaments have shown moments of grit and determination - narrow defeats, hard-fought draws and disciplined performances that earned respect even in loss. Each WAFCON appearance adds to the team’s experience, reducing the psychological gap between Tanzania and Africa’s giants.

Ultimately, Twiga Stars’ participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is about more than silverware. It is about representation, progress and building a sustainable future for women’s football in Tanzania. Every tournament strengthens the foundation, inspires the next generation and reinforces the belief that Tanzania belongs on Africa’s biggest football stage.

As the whistle blows in Morocco, Twiga Stars will carry not just tactical plans and match-day hopes, but the aspirations of a nation eager to see its women compete with pride, courage and growing ambition. Whether results go their way or not, their continued presence at WAFCON signals a journey still unfolding - one defined by perseverance and the promise of greater achievements ahead.