World Cup newbies Tanzania making friends everywhere they go
Tanzania recorded their fourth win in seven games so far at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup in what is their first appearance at the competition.
An impressive 8-2 victory over Switzerland on Day 4 in the Women’s Stage 2 followed their 6-0 win over Finland on Day 3.
Switzerland took the lead with a cracking shot on the turn into the low corner before a wonderful back heel assist helped Tanzania draw level. Seconds later, Switzerland restored their lead off a ricocheted clearance before a Tanzania shot passed through the legs of a Swiss defender to make it 2-2. As the fast-pace continued, a spell of sustained Tanzania pressure saw them pull 4-2 ahead thanks to a side foot finish and then a sweet strike in off the post. Some great defending from Switzerland then prevented Tanzania scoring their fifth before half-time.
Into the second half, a double save from the Swiss keeper prevented Tanzania extending their lead until a quick break put a Tanzania player clean through to slot home to make it 5-2. The African side then hit the bar before a left foot shot saw them pull 6-2 in front. With Tanzania in the ascendancy, a sweet strike from the right flank into the far corner - the goal of the game - gave Tanzania their seventh of the tie. Soon it was 8-2. Some good defending saw a Swiss shot blocked before Tanzania broke up the park and drilled a low shot into the corner. The last action of the game saw Tanzania produce a brilliant diving save to prevent Switzerland’s third.
Tanzania manager Alfred Itaeli said: “We are grateful and thankful for the opportunity. It was a great game playing against Switzerland. I think that both teams enjoyed it. I’d say we won the game but I think we are all winners and that’s the most important thing in the spirit of the game. Exchanging and giving thanks for the gifts that they gave us. Showing goodwill and bringing people together in this wonderful setting of Oslo.
“I think the players are loving it. It’s far from Tanzania but coming here and seeing the crowd and seeing all the different countries. The atmosphere. The singing. Even in the hotel they are making friends from everywhere. So that’s amazing to see.”
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by John Anderson