TANZANIA’s Twiga Stars are set to kick off their Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifying campaign against Equatorial Guinea at the Chamazi Complex today at 4 pm.

This crucial first leg match sees the Tanzanians aiming to make history by qualifying for the WAFCON finals for a second consecutive time.

Fresh off their qualification for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco this July – their first appearance since 2011 – the Twiga Stars are eager to build momentum.  A victory on home soil will be vital in their quest to progress to the next round.

Head coach Bakari Shime will be looking to capitalize on the talents of his foreign-based contingent.  Clara Luvanga (Saudi Arabia), alongside Julietha Singano and Enekia Kasongo (both playing in Mexico) have already joined the squad.  Their experience and skill will be invaluable as Tanzania seeks to overcome Equatorial Guinea.

However, Shime will be without two key players.  Striker Asha Masaka of Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC is still recovering from injury, while Opa Clement has recently joined her new team in the Mexican League and is unavailable.  

Their absence will undoubtedly be felt, and the team will need to find ways to compensate for their missing firepower.

Equatorial Guinea, known as the Nzalang Femenino, presents a stern challenge.  Despite being two-time African champions and having five WAFCON appearances under their belt, their last appearance at the continental tournament was seven years ago in 2018, where they exited at the group stage. 

The current squad, led by the experienced 64-year-old coach Jean-Paul Mpila, will be looking to recapture their former glory.  They will be counting on the talents of TP Mazembe CAF Champions League-winning duo, goalkeeper Dolores Hernández and striker Elena Obono.  

Obono brings valuable experience, having been part of the squad that competed in the 2018 WAFCON finals.

The winner on aggregate between Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea will advance to the second qualification round, where they will face either Uganda or Ethiopia.  

Those matches are set to take place between October 20 and 28, 2025.