Tanzania made history by securing a place in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cameroon in the semi-final of the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat, Morocco. This win not only earned Tanzania a spot in the tournament’s first-ever final but also guaranteed their qualification for the prestigious World Cup, set to take place in the Philippines later this year.
The match was a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams showing strong defensive discipline throughout the first half. The first 20 minutes were a tense affair, as neither side managed to break the deadlock. Both goalkeepers, Ngah for Cameroon and Abass for Tanzania, played pivotal roles, making crucial saves that kept the scoreline level. Their performances highlighted the defensive strength of both teams, leaving the match hanging in the balance as the halftime whistle blew.
The second half, however, proved to be far more eventful. Tanzania’s captain, Vaileth Nicholas Mwamakamba, played a crucial role in opening the scoring. In the 32nd minute, she took matters into her own hands, breaking through Cameroon’s defense with a brilliant solo effort. Mwamakamba’s composed finish put Tanzania 1-0 up, sparking celebrations among the Tanzanian players and supporters.
But Cameroon quickly responded, showing their resilience. Just moments after Tanzania’s opener, Pekure capitalized on a loose ball in the Tanzanian penalty area and fired in a powerful shot to equalize for Cameroon. With the score tied at 1-1, both teams pushed forward, eager to take control of the match.
The momentum swung again in Tanzania’s favor when Cameroon was dealt a blow with a red card. Zawadi, one of Tanzania’s key players, was sent off for a foul that left her side a player down, putting the team under significant pressure. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Tanzania showed remarkable character and determination. With just four minutes remaining in the match, Aisha Mnunka put Tanzania back in the lead, converting a well-placed pass to make it 2-1.
However, Cameroon wasn’t finished yet. In the 37th minute, they responded once more. Beulou capitalized on a cross from Mbomozomo to finish past the Tanzanian goalkeeper, bringing the score back to 2-2. The late equalizer set up a thrilling final few minutes, with both teams battling for a spot in the final.
In the dying moments of the match, Tanzania mounted a swift counterattack, and Anastazia Katunzi found herself in the right place at the right time. Katunzi finished off the attack with a clinical strike, giving Tanzania the lead once again and sealing a historic 3-2 victory. The final whistle blew, and Tanzania’s triumph was confirmed, sending them into the final of the competition.
This remarkable achievement not only secured Tanzania’s place in the final but also made them the first African team to qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. This milestone marks a significant moment in the development of women’s futsal in Africa and is a testament to the growth of the sport on the continent. The match also highlighted the incredible spirit of the Tanzanian team, who, despite facing setbacks, demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and skill to earn a historic victory.
As Tanzania now prepares to face the winner of the semi-final between Angola and hosts Morocco, their qualification for the World Cup is a huge achievement that will inspire many more African teams to invest in the development of women’s futsal. This victory signifies the rapid progress being made in women’s sports across the continent and underscores the commitment of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to growing the sport of futsal.
