Banyana stunned by Tanzania as WAFCON campaign begins with shock defeat

BAMBANANI Mbane of South Africa challenges Opa Clement Tukumbuke of Tanzania during their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encounter at Moulay Rachid Stadium, in Casablanca, last night. Banyana Banyana equalised through Mbane late in the first half to restore parity at 1-1 after the Twiga Stars’ Diana Msewa had earlier opened the scoring. Tanzania, however, would go on to win the match 2-1. Photo: Backpagepix

Banyana Banyana suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign after falling to a shock 2-1 defeat against Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Morocco on Monday.

The result leaves Desiree Ellis’ side with work to do in Group B ahead of Friday’s crucial clash against Ivory Coast. South Africa entered the tournament full of optimism and looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle.

Ellis named an attack-minded starting XI, with former African Footballer of the Year Thembi Kgatlana leading the line alongside 2022 WAFCON final heroine Hildah Magaia.

Banyana controlled possession during the opening exchanges and carved out three promising opportunities inside the first 20 minutes, but a lack of composure in front of goal prevented them from taking an early lead.