By David Ndolo
Tanzania are on the cusp of making history, and their dramatic 3-1 post-match win over Kenya in the return leg at the Azam Complex Stadium in the Temeke District of the Dar es Salaam Region took them to the fourth round – the final hurdle to securing a spot in the prestigious FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The hosts did it in bravado in post-match spot kicks, sailing through to the decisive stage of the competition at the home of fomer Tanzanian champions Azam FC.
Tanzania coach Bakari Shime nevertheless termed the result a bitter-sweet victory, extolling the Rising Starlets for their courage and resilience.
“We knew we held a realistic chance to play better before the home spectators,” Bakari said. “Sad that we had to wait a little bit longer to win on post-match penalties. As the match wore on, I knew we had a good chance to beat the Kenyans. Kenya is a good side, but at the end of it all, we carry
East African pride to the next level.”
Valery Nekesa’s thunderous header crashed onto the crossbar in the 13th minute, and the Kenyans maintained their pressure, with skipper Fasila Adhiambo taking her team’s corner in the 25th.
Gerald Winfica converted a penalty in the 50th minute, giving Tanzania the lead. The match ended 1-1 on aggregate, sending the tie to penalties, where Tanzania won 3-1.
Cameroon awaits Tanzania in the fourth round, having eliminated Botswana 5-1 on aggregate. “We have a full month to prepare before meeting the Cameroonians,” Bakari said. “We met them in the Under 17 qualifier, and we believe our girls will be in good shape in time.”
The match was attended by Fottball Kenya Federation Hussein Mohammed, Vice President Mcdonald Mariga, who has been with the team since Tuesday, Ministry of Sports Offhcials and senior Federation officials.
However, Kenyan Coach Jackline Juma couldn’t be reached for comment after the match.
