Banyana Banyana’s bid to progress at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was dealt a major setback as the defending champions slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat by Tanzania in their Group B opener in Casablanca.
South Africa, the second-highest ranked women’s side in Africa, were undone by a clinical Twigga Stars team at Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday, leaving Desiree Ellis’s side with little margin for error in their remaining fixtures against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Tanzania, ranked 18th on the continent and 122nd in the world, capitalised on South Africa’s profligacy in front of goal, scoring twice from their limited opportunities in either half to seal a famous win.
South Africa created several chances but failed to convert, and now face the prospect of needing back-to-back victories to reach the quarter-finals, with only the top two teams from each group progressing.
Ellis: ‘Goals win games’
The match swung Tanzania’s way on 31 minutes when Diana Msewa put the East Africans ahead, punishing slack South African defending.
Banyana Banyana responded in first-half stoppage time, when defender Bambanane Mbane drew them level, briefly restoring belief that the reigning champions would assert their pedigree after the break.
Ellis reshaped her side in the second half, introducing Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnely and Isabella Ludwig. Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Noxolo Cesane were all withdrawn as the coach sought greater attacking impetus.
But South Africa’s inability to finish their chances proved costly, and Tanzania struck again with just under five minutes remaining to restore their lead. Despite late pressure, Banyana Banyana could not find another equaliser.
“Goals win games, we knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves,” said a disappointed Ellis.
Ivory Coast win compounds pressure
The other Group B result deepened South Africa’s problems, as Ivory Coast powered to a 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso to move into a strong early position in the pool.
Ivory Coast, ranked seventh in Africa and 72nd in the world, now present an even more daunting next challenge for Banyana Banyana, while Burkina Faso, 16th in Africa and 118th globally, complete a group in which South Africa had been expected to contend strongly.
Ellis admitted that the opening defeat has dramatically raised the stakes for their remaining fixtures.
“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us the momentum and now the next match becomes a final before the final, it’s a must-win, and also the game after that.
“We still have it in us, it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that. We cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We knew that we had it in us to get positive results, and for that we are disappointed,” added Ellis.
Motlhalo reaches milestone in defeat
The loss coincided with a landmark moment for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who made her 100th appearance for South Africa.
She became the latest player to reach a century of caps for Banyana Banyana, joining a select group of 12 others to have achieved the feat. Among them are captain Refiloe Jane, Mbane and Lebo Ramalepe, all of whom started against Tanzania.
“Linda came into the team back in 5 and has been in the team ever since. She is someone you can rely on, very creative, very good on the ball and she deserves it.
“Hopefully she can go further and clock another 50. She has been a tremendous and an ultimate professional, and has carried herself well. I just want to say congratulations to her, and her family can be proud of how much she has given to the game,” said Ellis.
Crucial fixtures ahead
South Africa will now attempt to regroup before facing Ivory Coast on Friday, 31 July at 18:00 (SA time), in a match that Ellis has effectively labelled a knockout tie.
Banyana Banyana then complete their Group B programme against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, 4 August at 21:00 (SA time), knowing they can no longer afford to drop points if they are to keep their WAFCON title defence alive.
