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BANYANA BANYANA SUFFER 2-1 DEFEAT TO TANZANIA IN WAFCON OPENER

Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B fixture of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 in Casablanca on Monday evening.

South Africa

South Africa dominated possession from the outset, patiently building from the back and dictating the tempo of the game. Thembi Kgatlana forced an early save in the 5th minute, before Noxolo Cesane tested the Tanzanian defence a minute later with a deflected effort that earned Banyana a corner. 

Tanzania threatened on the counter, but Andile Dlamini produced a comfortable save, while Hilda Magaia fired over the crossbar from a promising position in the 17th minute. Lebohang Ramalepe also tried her luck in the 33rd minute, but her effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by goal keeper Naijat Abass.


The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa found the back of the net to hand Tanzania the lead. Banyana continued to press and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time, with Bambanani Mbane rising to score from a corner in the 45+2 minute sending the sides into the break level at 1-1. 

South Africa continued to dictate position after the restart, introducing Nthabiseng Majiya as they searched for a winner. Despite creating several promising opportunities, Banyana Banyana was unable to convert their dominance into goals, while Andile Dlamini was called into action on a number of occasions to keep the score level.


The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when Hasnath Umbamba capitalised to restore Tanzania’s lead. South Africa pushed forward in search for a late equaliser, and with five minutes of added time played, Banyana were awarded a final free kick. The resulting effort struck the crossbar, but Tanzania held on to claim a hard fought 2-1 victory.


The result sees South Africa begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign with a defeat, turning attention to Friday’s crucial Group B clash against Cote d’lvoire as they look to reignite their qualification hopes.

Next Match: South Africa vs Côte d'Ivoire | Friday 31 July 2026 |19H00 (SAST)

Written by: Galaletsang Moseje
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