South Africa and Tanzania confirm line-ups for Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 group opener

South Africa have named an experienced starting XI to face Tanzania in their opening Group B match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with both sides confirming their line-ups ahead of kick-off at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca.

The Banyana Banyana begin their campaign against familiar opponents in a fixture expected to be fiercely contested, as the two nations meet again on the continental stage. Both teams are making their first appearance in this edition of the tournament, hosted in Morocco.

The match in Casablanca marks the first Group B outing for South Africa and Tanzania, who share the same pool and are looking to make an early statement in their push for qualification from the group phase.

South Africa stick with core spine

South Africa have opted for a starting side built around key figures who form the spine of the team.

Goalkeeper Dlamini starts in goal, protected by a defensive unit of Ramalepe, Dhlamini, Mbane and Gamede. In midfield, coach’s trusted options Moodaly, Jane and Cesane are all named in the XI.

Further forward, Magaia and Motlhalo are selected in attacking roles, supporting leading forward Kgatlana, who will be expected to carry a major threat in the final third.

Full South Africa XI: Dlamini; Ramalepe, Dhlamini, Mbane, Gamede; Moodaly, Jane, Cesane; Magaia, Motlhalo, Kgatlana.

Tanzania confirm starting side

Tanzania, who come into the tournament looking to upset more established nations in African women’s football, have also announced their starting line-up for this Group B clash.

N. Abbas is selected in goal, with A. Katunzi and Donisia Minja among those chosen to marshal the back line alongside O. Clement and Clara Luvanga Mnunka.

In midfield and attack, Tanzania will rely on the energy and creativity of Diana, A. Rashid and J. Singano, with E. Maseke, Enekia and Violeth completing the starting side as they look to test the South African defence.

Full Tanzania XI: N. Abbas; A. Katunzi, Donisia Minja, O. Clement, Clara Luvanga Mnunka; Diana, A. Rashid, J. Singano; E. Maseke, Enekia, Violeth.

Group B stakes in Casablanca

Both teams go into this encounter knowing that a positive result in their first match could prove crucial in what is expected to be a competitive Group B.

With the stage set at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca and the official team sheets confirmed, attention now turns to how these two line-ups will match up as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group phase gets under way for South Africa and Tanzania.