Banyana Banyana stunned by late Tanzania winner in Wafcon Group B opener

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) Group B match in Casablanca, despite dominating for long spells.

Desiree Ellis’s side, champions in 2022 and fourth at the last Wafcon in 2024 – both tournaments also staged in Morocco – created the majority of the chances at Stade Moulay Rachid on Monday but were undone by a stoppage-time strike from substitute Hasnath Ubamba.

Tanzania had taken a surprise lead against the run of play through Diana Msewa, before defender Bambanani Mbane levelled for Banyana Banyana in first-half added time.

South Africa now face a testing route to the knockout stages, with fixtures against Ivory Coast on Friday (21:00 SA time) and Burkina Faso on 4 August (22:00) becoming effectively must-win encounters.

Tanzania punish wasteful champions

Banyana Banyana controlled the opening period, pinning Tanzania back and forcing goalkeeper Najat Idrisa into a series of saves.

Thembi Kgatlana had the first sight of goal in the sixth minute, but her off-balance effort was comfortably gathered by Idrisa. The Tanzanian keeper was then called into action to deny Hildah Magaia, while Karabo Dhlamini’s cross-shot cannoned off the crossbar.

Full-back Lebogang Ramalepe also tested Idrisa with two efforts as South Africa repeatedly probed for an opener.

Yet it was Tanzania who struck first. In the 38th minute, Msewa embarked on a driving run of around 20 metres through the centre, turning centre-back Bongeka Gamede inside out before sliding a low finish past Andile Dlamini.

The goal appeared to jolt South Africa, who had perhaps been guilty of taking their dominance of possession for granted and lacking sharpness in the final third.

Mbane levels before half-time

Banyana Banyana responded with greater urgency and finally converted their pressure into an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

Idrisa initially kept her side level with a reflex, diving save from a Kgatlana effort after spilling a cross into the striker’s path.

But from the resulting phase of play, another delivery into the box proved costly for Tanzania. Idrisa misjudged a mid-height cross, rising for the ball but only managing an awkward parry downwards. Mbane reacted quickest, nodding the bouncing ball into the net from close range to restore parity.

South Africa ended the half firmly on top and would have hoped to carry that intensity into the second period.

Tanzania grow in confidence after the break

Instead, Tanzania emerged from the interval with increased confidence, stringing passes together and forcing South Africa back.

Around the hour mark, Ubamba, on as a substitute, almost made an impact with a swerving free-kick that left Dlamini unsighted and initially wrong-footed, but the South African keeper recovered well to make the save.

Tanzania continued to threaten. In the 66th minute, after Dlamini parried a shot, the ball bounced loose and the keeper had to advance to challenge. Opah Clement Tukumbuke rose to head towards goal, but Mbane and Gamede combined to clear in front of the line and spare South Africa.

Banyana Banyana then regained territory and momentum, with Ellis turning to her bench in search of greater cutting edge.

Substitute Nthabiseng Majiya had a golden opportunity when Dhlamini’s cross picked her out in front of goal, but she mis-hit her volley off her shins and sent the ball wide from point-blank range.

Ubamba delivers decisive late blow

South Africa’s mounting pressure again failed to produce a decisive finish, and Tanzania capitalised ruthlessly at the other end in added time.

From a short corner routine on the left, Ubamba received the ball near the touchline and faced up Gamede. She beat the defender on the outside before cutting inside onto her right foot and unleashing a powerful strike beyond Dlamini for the winner a minute into stoppage time.

The late goal sealed a famous victory for Tanzania and left the defending champions with significant work to do in their remaining Group B fixtures if they are to progress from a pool that also includes Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.