CAPE TOWN – Banyana Banyana suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B match of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday evening.
Desiree Ellis’ side started brightly and immediately took the game to the East Africans. Just two minutes in, Thembi Kgatlana rose well inside the box but headed narrowly wide. Three minutes later, the forward was presented with another opportunity, only to be denied by Tanzania goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa.
South Africa continued to dominate possession and territory, with Noxolo Cesane forcing the first corner of the match after her effort was blocked. Tanzania responded through Opah Clement, whose tame strike was comfortably saved by Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
The pressure from Banyana continued, but Hildah Magaia fired over the crossbar before the South Africans missed two further opportunities in quick succession.
Against the run of play, Tanzania broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa’s effort took a slight deflection off a South African defender, wrong-footing Dlamini to give her side a 1-0 lead.
Banyana Banyana responded just before the halftime whistle as defender Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to head home from a rebound after Idrisa had made an initial save, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The match also marked a special milestone for Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th appearance for Banyana Banyana.
The second half remained evenly contested. Dlamini produced a fine save from a Tanzania free-kick in the 57th minute before Nthabiseng Majiya squandered a glorious chance with an open goal at her mercy.
Despite dominating possession, South Africa lacked the decisive final pass and finishing touch. Tanzania made them pay in the 86th minute when Hasnath Ubamba found the back of the net to restore her side’s advantage.
Banyana Banyana pushed forward in search of another equaliser, with captain Refiloe Jane coming closest late on, but Tanzania held firm to secure a famous 2-1 victory and an important three points in their tournament opener.
