Why Tanzania coach is accusing Kenya of dark arts in Under-20 World Cup qualifier
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 08.02.26. | 18:05
Kenya’s Rising Starlets edged the contest 1-0 courtesy of an 86th-minute strike from Elizabeth Mideva, giving the hosts a narrow but crucial advantage heading into the second leg
Tanzania Under-20 Women’s national team head coach Bakari Shime has accused Kenya of using “dark arts” after allegedly selecting a poor playing surface to gain an advantage in the first leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier, played on Saturday.
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Shime claimed the condition of the Ulinzi Sports Complex pitch affected the quality of play and hindered his team’s ability to execute their tactical approach, insisting the surface was unsuitable for technical football.
“Many people noticed the state of the pitch. It was not suitable for good football, and I believe the choice of that surface was deliberate,” said Shime.
Despite his criticism, the Tanzanian tactician admitted his side approached the match cautiously, aiming to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg.
“Our plan was to protect ourselves and avoid conceding many goals. A 1-0 result is not big, and we believe we can overturn it at home,” he added.
Kenya’s Rising Starlets won the contest 1-0 courtesy of an 86th-minute strike from Elizabeth Mideva, giving the hosts a narrow but crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
Shime maintained that his team will be a different proposition when they host Kenya, expressing confidence that improved facilities at the Azam Complex will allow his players to express themselves fully.
He backed his side to recover and secure qualification when Tanzania host the return leg on February 14.
The remarks have added extra spice to an already intense regional rivalry, setting up a highly charged second leg as both sides battle for a place in the next round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
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