Tanzania made one of the biggest statements of the opening round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating former champions South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling Group B encounter in Casablanca to begin their campaign with a famous victory.
The East Africans produced a disciplined and determined performance at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday, with second-half substitute Hasnath Ubamba scoring a late winner after South Africa had battled back to level the contest before half-time.
The victory gives Tanzania an early advantage in Group B and marks a significant moment in the country’s women’s football history, while the 2022 African champions are left searching for answers ahead of their second group fixture.
The meeting carried added significance, having been the second successive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in which the two nations were drawn together in the same group. It was also their third encounter at the continental finals.
South Africa had won the first meeting between the sides, while the second ended in a draw, leaving Tanzania determined to finally record a breakthrough victory over one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
The East Africans showed their intent from the opening exchanges.
Their first warning came in the 13th minute when captain Opa Tukumbuke almost capitalised on a loose ball inside the South African penalty area. Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini reacted sharply to prevent an early breakthrough.
South Africa escaped again moments later after a looping back-header from Lebohang Ramalepe almost ended in an own goal, with Dlamini recovering in time to keep the scores level.
Banyana Banyana gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities of their own.
Thembi Kgatlana cleverly laid the ball into the path of Hildah Magaia in the 17th minute, but the forward’s effort drifted narrowly over the crossbar.
South Africa continued to push forward, with Karabo Dhlamini coming agonisingly close midway through the first half. Her powerful strike from distance beat the goalkeeper but crashed against the woodwork.
Despite South Africa enjoying encouraging spells in attack, Tanzania struck first.
Against the run of play, Diana Msewa gave the East Africans the lead in the 37th minute after beating Bongeka Gamede before calmly finishing beyond Dlamini at the near post.
The goal rewarded Tanzania’s resilience and shifted momentum in their favour as they looked to carry their advantage into the half-time break.
South Africa responded with renewed urgency.
Kgatlana almost restored parity during first-half stoppage time, but Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa produced an outstanding save from close range to preserve her side’s lead.
However, Tanzania could not hold on until the interval.
Following Idrisa’s initial save, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest inside the penalty area to head home the rebound and ensure the teams went into the dressing rooms level at 1-1.
The equaliser appeared to hand South Africa fresh belief, and Banyana Banyana almost completed the turnaround immediately after the restart when Refiloe Jane came close to putting the former champions ahead.
But Tanzania refused to retreat.
The East Africans remained organised defensively and continued to threaten on the counterattack as the second half developed into an evenly balanced contest.
Their persistence was rewarded in the closing stages.
With four minutes remaining, substitute Hasnath Ubamba produced the decisive moment of the match, showing composure inside the penalty area before turning her marker and firing a low finish beyond Dlamini to restore Tanzania’s lead.
South Africa were unable to find another response as Tanzania held firm through the closing moments to seal all three points.
