Banyana Banyana of South Africa will begin their quest to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Tanzania in their opening Group B match on Monday in Morocco.
The 2022 African champions enter the tournament determined to bounce back after finishing fourth in the previous edition, with coach Desiree Ellis and her squad aiming for another deep run on the continental stage.
The encounter will take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time in Morocco and 19:00 South African time.
South Africa arrive at the tournament with a blend of experience and emerging talent, as they look to challenge for a second WAFCON crown.
Ellis, who continues to lead the team, will rely on key players including forward Thembi Kgatlana and midfielder Linda Motlhalo as Banyana begin their campaign.
Motlhalo could have an additional reason to celebrate during the opening fixture, with the midfielder set to reach 100 appearances for the senior national team if selected in the starting line-up against Tanzania.
The milestone would add another chapter to the career of one of South Africa’s most influential players, as Banyana look to make a positive start to the competition.
Captain Refiloe Jane is also aware of the challenge Tanzania will provide.
The Twiga Stars enter their third appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Under coach Bakari Shime, Tanzania head into the tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign in which they remained unbeaten.
Their hopes will be built around a disciplined defensive structure and the attacking threat of young striker Clara Luvanga, who has been in strong form at club level.
Promising forward Winfrida Gerald is also expected to play an important role as Tanzania attempt to cause an early upset against the former champions.
The East Africans have previously shown they can compete with South Africa and will look to use that experience when the two sides meet in Casablanca.
South Africa, meanwhile, are in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, making every fixture crucial in the race for qualification.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations began on Sunday, 26 July, and will run until 16 August, when Africa’s new women’s champions will be crowned.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions, while all 16 participating nations have an added incentive beyond the continental title.
The expanded competition also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the global tournament, while two quarter-finalists will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.
