WAFCON: South Africa humbled by Tanzania in Morocco!

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WAFCON: South Africa humbled by Tanzania in Morocco!
Banyana Banyana of South Africa vs Tanzania, Image: SAFA

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana started their 2026 WAFCON campaign with a 2-1 loss to Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday night.

Desiree Ellis-led team came into the game as favourites owing to their record against the East African Nation. However, the last time the two nations met, it ended 1-1.

Banyana Banyana paythe price

As expected, Banyana Banyana settled early and troubled their opponents with every opportunity they got to attack. In the first 10 minutes, they had some good chances to score but they just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

In those early proceedings, South Africa had some big chances to take the lead, but the likes of Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, and the attacking department just couldn’t take them.

Against the run of play, the Twiga Stars found the back of the net in the 37th minute when a poor pass was intercepted and Asha Mwalala managed to set up Diana Msewa who did well to get past Mzansi markers before firing the ball past Andile Dlamini.

Banyana Banyana managed to get back in the stroke of halftime as Bambanani Mbane headed home from close range after the defenders failed to clear a corner ball.

Tanzania steal the limelight

Even after the break, it was Tanzania who did well to push for the second goal as Banyana Banyana failed to match them. Dlamini had to be at her best to keep South Africa in the game.

Dlamini’s resilience was finally broken in the 87th minute as Hasnath Ubamba did well on the left wing to get into the danger zone before unleashing a shot that flew straight into the net to make it 2-1.

On Friday, Banyana Banyana play Ivory Coast at the same venue before ending the campaign in the group stage with Burkina Faso on August 4.

South Africa can’t afford to lose any of the remaining matches if they are to advance to the next phase.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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