Tanzania’s national under-17 girls’ football team – Serengeti Girls pipped Botswana 3–2 in the first leg of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.
Tanzania’s goals came from Fatuma Hassan in the 15th minute, Bahati Steven in the 40th minute and later an own goal by Botswana’s Bridget Setuke
The hosts pulled one back in the 42nd minute through Bridget Setuke before adding a second from the penalty spot early in the second half through Hope Keletso Lesotlo.
The victory gives Tanzania a significant advantage in the aggregate score as they aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the winner of this tie set to face South Africa.
The return leg is scheduled for April 19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The finals of the tournament are scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year.
The Serengeti Girls are aiming to qualify for a second appearance, having previously reached the finals in 2022, held in India.
Head Coach of Tanzania’s national under-17 girls’ football team – Serengeti Girls, Bakari Shime has cautioned that the return leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Botswana will be far from straightforward.
“We are pleased to have won our first match, as that was part of our plan. However, this victory will not make us complacent because the return leg will not be easy. If we have beaten them at home, they too can beat us on our ground,” Shime said.
