South Africa’s hopes of beginning their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on a winning note suffered an early setback after Banyana Banyana went down 2-1 to Tanzania in their Group B opener at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday night.
Desiree Ellis’ side, regarded among the favourites to challenge for the continental title, struggled to convert their chances and were punished by a determined Tanzanian outfit that produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening round.
Tanzania took the lead through Clara Luvanga, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to beat South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart in the 34th minute. Banyana responded positively and drew level when Thembi Kgatlana found the back of the net after a well-worked attacking move in the 67th minute.
However, Tanzania restored their advantage in the second half when Opah Clement struck the decisive goal in the 87th minute to hand the East Africans a memorable 2-1 victory and all three points.
Banyana created enough opportunities to avoid defeat but failed to make them count. Jermaine Seoposenwe went close with an effort that drifted wide, while Hildah Magaia missed a clear opportunity from inside the penalty area. Substitute Linda Motlhalo also came close late in the game, but her attempt was well saved as Tanzania held on for a famous victory.
The defeat leaves the South Africans under pressure ahead of their second group match as they seek a place in the knockout stages.
Elsewhere on the opening day of the tournament, Morocco defeated Algeria, while Senegal claimed victory over Mali in the other opening fixtures.
Banyana Banyana will now turn their attention to their second Group B match against Côte d’Ivoire on July 31 where they will be aiming to bounce back and revive their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.
