CASABLANCA — South Africa’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign is off to a rocky start following a stunning 2-1 defeat to Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday evening.
Despite dominating early possession and controlling the tempo for large segments of the match, Desiree Ellis’s side was punished for uncharacteristic sloppiness in the final third. A late winner from Tanzanian substitute Hasnath Ubamba sealed a historic upset that immediately puts South Africa on the back foot in Group B.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
South Africa began the encounter with familiar intent, bossing possession (peaking at 66% in the first half) and asking early questions of the Tanzanian defence. Forward Thembi Kgatlana was a constant threat, creating the best chance of the early exchanges when she teed up Sinoxolo Cesane, only for the Mamelodi Sundowns player to fluff her lines in front of goal.
Tanzania, content to absorb the pressure, capitalized on a quick counter-attack against the run of play in the 38th minute. Diana Msewa drove into the box and slotted a low shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, aided by a deflection off defender Bongeka Gamede, to give the Twiga Stars a shock lead.
South Africa responded immediately before the break. After Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Abbas struggled to swat away a high corner delivery, veteran defender Bambanani Mbane was on hand to nod home the rebound in first-half stoppage time. The equalizer marked her sixth international goal in her 104th appearance for the national side.
Late Heartbreak Sinks the 2022 Champions
The second half saw South Africa continue to push, but their attacking rhythm deteriorated. Opportunities came and went, including a near-miss from substitute Nthabiseng Majiya and long-range efforts that failed to test Abbas. Tanzania’s defence held firm, effectively frustrating the South African forwards.
The hammer blow arrived in the 87th minute. Ubamba, who had already troubled Dlamini with a sprawling free-kick earlier in the half, brilliantly navigated past her marker on the left flank. Driving into the penalty area, she unleashed a powerful shot past Dlamini to secure a sensational three points for Tanzania.
A Bitter Milestone
The defeat spoiled what should have been a celebratory evening for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for the national team. Captain Refiloe Jane also marked her 151st appearance, highlighting the vast experience within the South African ranks that ultimately could not find a way past a resilient and structured Tanzanian outfit.
Looking Ahead
With Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso still to come in the pool, South Africa finds itself under immediate pressure. The tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, demands a sharp turnaround. Coach Desiree Ellis will undoubtedly demand a more clinical performance in their next fixture to keep their World Cup qualification hopes firmly alive.
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