WAFCON 2026: South Africa vs Tanzania preview, expected lineups and team news

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title chase on Monday when they face Tanzania in their opening Group B fixture at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

Desiree Ellis’ side head into the contest as clear favourites against a Tanzanian team still searching for its first-ever knockout stage appearance at the continental showpiece. For the defending champions of 2022, however, the match represents the first step in an ambitious attempt to reclaim Africa’s crown.

Banyana Banyana lifted their maiden WAFCON trophy three years ago after defeating hosts Morocco 2-1 in a dramatic final. Their reign ended last year when they were eliminated by Nigeria in the semi-finals, denying them a chance to defend their title.

With Morocco hosting the tournament again, South Africa will be hoping a third consecutive visit to the country ends with another historic triumph.

Ellis’ side looking for consistency after Japan test

South Africa’s preparations for the tournament produced mixed results, raising questions about their readiness ahead of their opening match.

The team travelled to Japan for two friendly encounters and suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat in Osaka before responding with a 1-0 victory in the second meeting.

While the results offered valuable lessons, Banyana Banyana know they cannot afford a slow start in a competitive group that also includes Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

Their next assignment after Tanzania will be a demanding clash against Ivory Coast on July 31, making maximum points from their opening fixture crucial.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, increasing the importance of every result during the group stage.

Kgatlana leads attacking charge after return

South Africa have selected a squad dominated by locally based players, with only four of their 26 players currently featuring outside the country.

One of the biggest boosts for Ellis is the return of Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the previous WAFCON due to personal reasons. The experienced forward is expected to spearhead the attack as Banyana look to rediscover their attacking threat.

Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado has also returned after recovering from an injury suffered during the last tournament, adding further quality to the squad.

Jermaine Seoposenwe, who played a key role in South Africa’s previous WAFCON campaigns, announced her retirement after the last edition, leaving Kgatlana as the team’s main attacking leader.

Tanzania, meanwhile, will be without one of their biggest names. Brighton & Hove Albion forward Aisha Masaka was left out of the preliminary squad as injuries continue to disrupt her progress.

Tanzania chasing historic knockout qualification

Tanzania enter the tournament with ambitions of breaking new ground.

The East Africans are appearing at their second consecutive WAFCON and third overall, but their previous two campaigns ended at the group stage.

A victory over South Africa would represent one of the biggest results in their history and provide a strong platform for a first-ever run beyond the opening phase.

Banyana Banyana, though, will rely on their experience and tournament pedigree as they target a winning start.

Captain Refiloe Jane arrives with added confidence after providing an assist during South Africa’s 1-0 friendly win over Japan on June 9, a match that marked her 150th appearance for the national team.

Match details

South Africa vs Tanzania
Date: Monday, July 27
Kick-off: 7 p.m. CAT (6 p.m. GMT)
Venue: Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca

Expected line-ups

South Africa: Kaylin Swart; Antonia Maponya, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Fikile Magama; Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane, Bongeka Gamede; Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana, Noxolo Cesane.

Tanzania: Najiat Abbas; Anastazia Katunzi, Ester Maseke, Vaileth Nicholaus, Julieth Singano; Donisia Minja, Fatuma Issa, Stumai Abdallah, Enekia Lunyamila; Opa Clement, Aisha Mnunka.