Tanzania stun Banyana Banyana as WAFCON holders suffer shock opening defeat

Tanzania produced one of the early shocks of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by beating defending champions South Africa 2-1 in Casablanca, leaving Banyana Banyana facing an uphill battle to qualify from Group B.

Desiree Ellis’ side, who came into the tournament with high expectations, were undone by goals from Diana Msewa and late substitute Hasnath Ubamba at Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday, despite dominating long spells of the game.

South Africa, led in attack by former African Footballer of the Year Thembi Kgatlana and 2022 WAFCON final match-winner Hildah Magaia, started confidently and on the front foot. They created three clear chances in the opening 20 minutes but lacked composure in front of goal and failed to turn pressure into an early advantage.

Tanzania, content to sit deep and defend in numbers, were largely restricted to counter-attacks in the first half. However, they carried a threat whenever they managed to break out, and it was from one such moment that they took a surprise lead.

Msewa solo effort stuns champions

In the 38th minute, Turkiye-based forward Msewa collected possession inside her own half and embarked on a driving run straight through the middle of the South African defence. She glided past several challenges before calmly finishing beyond goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to put the Twiga Stars 1-0 up against the run of play.

The goal briefly rattled Banyana Banyana, but they continued to push forward and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time. After the Tanzanian goalkeeper parried an effort into a congested six-yard box, defender Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest, prodding the ball in from close range to level the match at 1-1 in the 45th minute plus three.

That equaliser restored some calm to Ellis’ side as they headed into the interval with the scoreline reflecting their territorial dominance, even if their finishing had let them down.

Tactical gamble backfires

At half-time, Ellis opted for a more attacking approach in search of a winner. Midfielder Robyn Moodaly-Salgado made way for striker Nthabiseng Majiya as South Africa shifted into a more adventurous 4-4-2 system.

The change, however, had an unintended consequence. While Banyana continued to see more of the ball, the additional attacking emphasis left greater space for Tanzania to exploit on the counter. The East Africans grew increasingly dangerous as the second half wore on, stretching South Africa’s back line and forcing them to retreat on several occasions.

Despite their possession, South Africa struggled to recreate the clear-cut openings they had fashioned earlier in the match. Tanzania’s disciplined defensive structure and willingness to break at speed gradually turned the momentum in their favour.

With three minutes of normal time remaining, Tanzania struck the decisive blow. Second-half substitute Ubamba found room inside the penalty area and fired home in the 87th minute to restore Tanzania’s lead and complete a famous victory.

South Africa pressed in the closing stages, but there was no way back as Tanzania held firm to claim a win that significantly boosts their hopes of progressing from Group B and sends a warning to the rest of the competition.

Banyana face must-win Ivory Coast test

For Banyana Banyana, the defeat leaves little margin for error in the group phase. They now face a crucial, must-win fixture against Ivory Coast on Friday, aware that another loss would leave their chances of reaching the knockout stages in serious jeopardy.

The result is a major setback for the reigning champions, who had arrived in Morocco with optimism after their triumph at the previous edition of the tournament, but now find themselves under immediate pressure to respond.

South Africa (1) 1 Mbane 45+3’

Tanzania (1) 2 Msewa 38’, Ubamba 87’