Tanzania stun champions South Africa with late winner in Wafcon opener

Hellen Ubamba struck an 87th‑minute winner as Tanzania Women stunned defending champions South Africa Women 2-1 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations – Women group match.

South Africa W

• A. Dlamini
• L. Ramalepe
• B. Mbane
• Bongeka SMangele Gamede
• K. Dhlamini
• Linda Maserame Motlhalo
• R. Jane
• S. Cesane
• R. Moodaly
• Hildah Tholakele Magaia
• T. Kgatlana

Tanzania W

• N. Idrisa
• E. Maseke
• V. Mwamakamba
• J. Singano
• A. Katunzi
• E. Lunyamila
• D. Msewa
• A. Mnunka
• D. Minja
• O. Clement Tukumbuke
• R. Mwalala Asha

Substitutions:

South Africa W

• R. Moodaly (N. Majiya, 46)
• Hildah Tholakele Magaia (G. Salgado, 71)
• Linda Maserame Motlhalo (A. Motau, 71)
• T. Kgatlana (R. Donnelly, 85)
• S. Cesane (Alexa Ludwig Isabella, 89)

Tanzania W

• R. Mwalala Asha (H. Ubamba, 51)
• A. Mnunka (M. Siyame, 72)
• D. Minja (D. Mnaly, 90)

Ball possession:

Diana Msewa had earlier given Tanzania the lead, before captain Bambanani Mbane briefly hauled Banyana Banyana level on the stroke of half-time. But Ubamba’s late intervention condemned the hosts to a shock defeat in Match Round 1 and handed Tanzania a famous Wafcon victory.

Passes:

Ubamba delivers late blow

With the game seemingly drifting towards a draw, Tanzania found a decisive moment three minutes from time.

Defense:

A patient move down the flank ended with the ball worked into the South Africa area, and when the defence failed to clear their lines, Ubamba reacted quickest to steer home and make it 2-1, sparking wild celebrations on the Tanzanian bench.

Face-to-face:

The late goal punished South Africa’s inability to build on their equaliser and leaves the title holders with work to do in a group that now looks far less straightforward than anticipated.

The last five games (including this match):

• South Africa W – L
• Tanzania W – W

Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations – Women scorers:

Line-ups:

Next games:

• South Africa W will play with Ivory Coast W. July 31 at 17:00 (GMT), on Al Medina Stadium.
• Tanzania W will play with Burkina Faso W. July 31 at 20:00 (GMT), on Al Medina Stadium.