Tanzania opened their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Group B campaign with a famous 2-1 victory over South Africa in a tightly contested Monday evening encounter played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
Tanzania Stun South Africa in WAFCON Thriller
Tanzania's Opa Tukumbuke almost capitalized on a loose ball inside the box in the 13th minute, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini reacted quickly to deny the goal. The former champions survived another scare two minutes later after a looping back header by Lebohang Ramalepe drifted towards goal, with the goalkeeper recovering just in time to prevent an own goal.
South Africa continued to press, and midway through the half Karabo Dhlamini came agonisingly close with a powerful strike from distance that crashed against the woodwork. However, Tanzania broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Diana Msewa, who beat Bongeka Gamede before slotting a composed finish beyond Dlamini at the near post.
A Thrilling Encounter at the Moulay Rachid Stadium
Kgatlana almost drew South Africa level in first-half stoppage time, but her close-range effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa. With the tie looking to go into the break with Tanzania in the lead, Bambanani Mbane showed exceptional anticipation when reacting to a save by Idrisa to head home the equaliser and send the sides into the break level.
Returning from the recess, South Africa nearly completed the turnaround within seconds of the restart as Refiloe Jane came close to giving her side the lead. However, Tanzania had the final say as substitute Hasnath Ubamba produced a composed finish in the 86th minute, turning her marker before firing a low shot beyond Dlamini to seal a famous victory for the East Africans.
Tanzania's Significant Three Points
The result gives Tanzania a significant three points in Group B ahead of Friday’s clash against Burkina Faso, while South Africa will be left to regroup before facing Cote d'Ivoire on the same day. Tanzania's victory marks the third time the two sides have faced each other at a TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals, with the East Africans determined to secure a result against the former champions.
The win is a significant boost for Tanzania as they look to progress in the tournament. With this result, they will be looking to build on their momentum and secure a spot in the next round. For South Africa, the loss will be a setback, but they will be looking to regroup and bounce back in their next match.
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 continues to unfold with thrilling encounters, and the competition is heating up in Group B. As the teams continue to battle for a spot in the next round, the stakes are high, and the drama is building.
Source: Joy Online
