TANZANIA Women’s National Football Team head coach, Bakari Shime, has named a 25-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers against Ethiopia.

The two-legged tie will be played between October 20 and 28, 2025, with the aggregate winner securing a place in the prestigious continental finals. The Twiga Stars, who stunned former champions Equatorial Guinea in the first round, are looking to make history by qualifying for the Wafcon finals for the second consecutive time. 

 Their impressive run in the qualifiers has reignited optimism that Tanzania can cement its status among Africa’s top women’s football nations. According to the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the team will enter a residential training camp on October 13 to fine-tune preparations ahead of the crucial encounter.

 Shime’s squad features a blend of local and foreign-based players, underlining the growing depth and competitiveness in the women’s game. JKT Queens, the reigning Tanzanian champions, dominate the call-up list with several key contributors forming the team’s backbone.

 In goal, the coach (pictured) has retained Najat Abbas and Asha Mrisho - both from JKT Queens - alongside Nusrat Jaffar of Alliance Girls. The defensive line is anchored by reliable names such as Fatuma Issa and Eneka Kasonga of Juarez, Mexico. Others in defense include Juleta Singano (Juarez, Mexico), Ester Maseke, Noela Luhala (ASA Tel Aviv, Israel), Fumukazi Ally, and Christer Bahera (all JKT Queens).

The midfield boasts creativity and experience, with Janeth Pangamwene, Diana Lucas (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Elizabeth Chenge, Hasnath Ubamba (Al Masry, Egypt), and Fatuma Issa (Simba Queens) expected to dictate the tempo. 

They are joined by Suzan Adam (Tausi Queens), Stumai Abdallah (JKT Queens), and Maimuna Kaimu (Yanga Princess).

Leading the attack will be prolific forward Clara Luvanga (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), supported by Jamila Rajab, Opa Clement (Eibar, Spain), Winifrida Gerald, and Aisha Mnunka (Simba Queens).

While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce the dates and venue for the 2026 Wafcon finals, the Twiga Stars’ preparations signal strong intent. 

Coach Shime and his charges are determined to build on their recent progress and secure a place among Africa’s elite once again.

Full Squad:  

Goalkeepers: Najat Abbas (JKT Queens), Asha Mrisho (JKT Queens), Nusrat Jaffar (Alliance Girls)

Defenders: Lidya Maximilian (JKT Queens), Asha Ramadhan (Simba Queens), Eneka Kasonga (Juarez, Mexico), Juleta Singano (Juarez, Mexico), Ester Maseke (JKT Queens), Noela Luhala (ASA Tel Aviv, Israel), Fumukazi Ally (JKT Queens) Christer Bahera (JKT Queens), Fatuma Issa (Simba Queens)

Midfielders: Janeth Pangamwene (JKT Queens), Diana Lucas (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Elizabeth Chenge (JKT Queens), Hasnath Ubamba (Al Masry, Egypt), Suzan Adam (Tausi Queens), , Stumai Abdallah (JKT Queens),Maimuna Kaimu (Yanga Princess), Donisia Minja (JKT Queens)

Forwards: Clara Luvanga (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Jamila Rajab (JKT Queens), Opa Clement (Eibar, Spain), Winifrida Gerald (JKT Queens), Aisha Mnunka (Simba Queens)