After missing out on the 2022 edition, Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Queens return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with ambition and a fearless mentality. Fresh off regional success and backed by one of East Africa’s fastest-growing women’s football programs, Tanzania aims to turn heads at WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.
📖 A Journey of Growth
Tanzania has steadily grown in women’s football through CECAFA dominance and consistent youth development. The team made its WAFCON debut in 2010 but had since struggled to reappear until now.
Their qualification for 2024 is a testament to years of investment, local league development, and the rise of exciting young talent who have already begun to shine at the international level.
🏆 Qualification Story
The Kilimanjaro Queens earned their place by defeating Ivory Coast and Congo in the qualifiers, showcasing both tactical discipline and attacking flair. Their victories weren’t just results — they were statements that Tanzania is no longer a side to be overlooked.
👥 Key Players to Watch
⚡ Aisha Masaka (Forward)
One of Tanzania’s brightest young stars, Masaka is fast, strong, and technically gifted. Her goalscoring form at youth level has translated well to the senior team, and she’s expected to be a breakout star in Morocco.
🎯 Fatuma Issa Maonyo (Midfield)
Experienced and composed, Maonyo is the team’s midfield metronome. Her passing range and ability to control the tempo make her the heartbeat of the Kilimanjaro Queens.
🧤 Janeth Simba (Goalkeeper)
A calm and alert presence between the posts, Simba’s performances in the qualifiers earned her praise. She’ll need to be at her best against the likes of Ghana and South Africa.
🧠 The Coach: Bakari Shime
Bakari Nyundo Shime has been steering Tanzania’s women’s national team, the Twiga Stars, since 2019. Known for his focus on youth development and long-term squad building, Shime has successfully integrated young talents from the U17 and U20 teams into the senior squad. Under his guidance, Tanzania won the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship, signaling a rise in their regional dominance. With a clear tactical vision and emphasis on team cohesion, Shime views WAFCON 2025 as a pivotal moment to elevate Tanzania’s status in African women’s football and build momentum toward future international success.
🗓️ Group C Fixtures
🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Mali 🇲🇱
📅 Thursday, 10 July 2025
📍 Stade Berkane, Berkane
🕔 17:00 (GMT+1)
🇹🇿 Tanzania vs South Africa 🇿🇦
📅 Tuesday, 15 July 2025
📍 Stade Berkane, Berkane
🕖 19:00 (GMT+1)
🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Ghana 🇬🇭
📅 Monday, 21 July 2025
📍 Stade Berkane, Berkane
🕖 19:00 (GMT+1)
🎯 Expectations
For Tanzania, success doesn’t necessarily mean winning the trophy — it means competing fearlessly, securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance, and showing that East African football is on the rise. With an energetic squad and nothing to lose, they might just spring a surprise or two.
🔮 Final Word
The Kilimanjaro Queens come to Morocco with belief, hunger, and a growing reputation. They may not yet have the experience of traditional giants, but they bring something equally dangerous: momentum and youthful courage. Tanzania is ready to dream big — and maybe, just maybe, shock Africa.
