Tanzania Shock South Africa 2-1 to Make Winning Start at WAFCON 2026
Tanzania began their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with a famous 2-1 win over South Africa in their Group B match on Monday evening.
The East Africans produced a brave display at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca to defeat the former African champions and claim an important three points.
Tanzania made a bright start and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when captain Opa Tukumbuke chased a loose ball inside the penalty area, but South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a good save.
Two minutes later, South Africa survived another scare after a back header almost ended in an own goal, but Dlamini recovered in time to stop the ball from crossing the line.
South Africa responded with chances of their own. Hildah Magaia fired just over the crossbar before Karabo Dhlamini struck the woodwork with a powerful long-range effort.
Despite South Africa’s pressure, Tanzania went ahead in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa beat her defender before calmly finishing past Dlamini at the near post.
South Africa pushed for an equaliser and found one in first-half added time. After Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa made a save, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to head the ball into the net and make it 1-1 before the break.
The defending champions almost took the lead just after the restart, but Refiloe Jane was unable to convert her chance.
With the match heading for a draw, Tanzania struck the winner in the 86th minute. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba turned her marker inside the box before firing a low shot past Dlamini to seal a memorable victory.
The win gives Tanzania a perfect start to Group B ahead of Friday’s match against Burkina Faso. South Africa will now look to bounce back when they face Côte d’Ivoire on the same day.
