WeeklySA_AdminSETBACK: Defending champions South Africa must quickly recover from a surprise 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their WAFCON 2026 opener as Friday’s clash against Côte d’Ivoire becomes a must-win encounter to keep their hopes of retaining the continental crown alive…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Defending champions Banyana Banyana face an early test of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title credentials after suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night.
The setback leaves South Africa with little room for error ahead of Friday’s crucial encounter against Côte d’Ivoire, with the reigning African champions now needing a positive result to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
It was Tanzania’s first victory over South Africa at the WAFCON finals after the previous two meetings ended in a South African win and a draw, marking a historic moment for the East Africans.
Friday’s clash with Côte d’Ivoire has become a must-win encounter if Banyana Banyana are to keep their WAFCON title defence alive…
Tanzania started brightly and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when captain Opa Tukumbuke pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area, only for goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to react sharply and deny her.
The warning signs continued moments later when Lebohang Ramalepe’s looping back header almost found its way into her own net before Dlamini recovered in time.
Banyana gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities. Hildah Magaia fired narrowly over the crossbar after good work by Thembi Kgatlana, while Karabo Dhlamini rattled the woodwork with a powerful long-range effort.
Despite South Africa’s growing dominance, Tanzania struck first in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa beat Bongeka Gamede before calmly finishing past Dlamini to stun the defending champions.
Kgatlana came close to restoring parity before halftime, but Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa produced an excellent save. From the resulting pressure, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to head home the equaliser just before the break.
South Africa nearly completed the comeback seconds after the restart when captain Refiloe Jane went close, but Tanzania remained disciplined and dangerous on the counterattack.
Their persistence paid off four minutes from time when substitute Hasnath Ubamba showed composure inside the penalty area, turning her marker before drilling a low shot beyond Dlamini to secure a memorable victory.
The result hands Tanzania an invaluable three points ahead of their meeting with Burkina Faso, while South Africa must now regroup quickly before Friday’s high-stakes showdown against Côte d’Ivoire.
Victory for Banyana would put their title defence back on track, but another setback could leave the reigning champions facing an early exit from the tournament.
