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Tanzania caused the first major upset of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-1 win over Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their first Group B fixture in Casablanca on Monday.
Despite edging the early exchanges it was Tanzania who took the lead in the 37th minute following a quick breakaway.
Diana Msewa picked up the ball 35 yards from goal and drove towards goal and hit a low strike which deflected off a South African defender Bongeka Gamede.
Thembi Kgatlana was denied by a superb stop from Tanzania goalkeeper but from the resulting corner, Banyana equalised, thanks to Bambanani Mbane headed in from close range.
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Tanzania almost went ahead again when Hasnath Ubamba’s free-kick from the edge of the box looked to be hezding into the net before Dlamini made a save to keep the scores level.
South Africa should have gone in front when Dhlamini’s perfect cross was met by Nthabiseng Majiya, but she steered the ball wide from close range.
Tanzania then went 2-1 ahead after fine work on the left wing by Ubamba saw her cut inside and fire low to beat Dlamini at her near post in the 87th minute.
South Africa will take on Côte d’Ivoire in their second Group B game on July 31 while Tanzania will hope to secure qualification into the quarterfinal when they face Burkina Faso.
By James Agberebi
6 Comments
🙂
I won’t be surprised if SA are knocked out early. I watched them struggle to qualify for this Wafcon against DRC, needing a fortuitous 90th-minute goal to edge the 2-legged tie 1-0 after surviving several goal scares from the DRC ladies on their home turf.
They’re a shadow of their former selves, even their former star girl, Kgathlana, who took a year-long break for “personal reasons.”Her feats in the years prior probably got into her head, and she thought she was indispensable. She’s even no longer a starter.
As per Tanzania, I think I now understand why Nigeria had to wait until the last few minutes to beat them 2 -1 in last week’s friendly.
This banana banana wey no gree ripe.
Na waya.
Unripe banana everywhere.
When Nigeria defeated Tanzania narrowly 2-1 many people said it was a poor performance,at least people can see that Tanzania is now a force,just like Algeria.Signals Tanzania’s continued growth of women’s football across the continent.
However,we shouldn’t write off South Africa.The tournament is still in its early stages,and South Africa has enough experience to bounce back.
So it will be premature to write off the South African team.I know it’s a major upset for a Tanzanian team ranked 65 places lower stunned South Africa,never saw that coming.
However,I will wait until the South Africa versus group leaders Cote d’ivoire matchup to fully assess the team,until then I think it’s premature to do so,because we have seen great teams win trophies after losing their first game of the tournament.
They played very well
I thought SA was gonna run dem over
Please what is Egypt doing in this Wafcon? It feels like all the girls are pregnant.
Madugu should please field the bench against them or if possible the U20 team. Good they’re the last group game..