South Africa’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations began in frustrating fashion as Banyana Banyana suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Morocco.
Desiree Ellis’ side arrived at the tournament among the favourites after lifting the continental title in 2022, but they now face mounting pressure ahead of Friday’s meeting with Ivory Coast.
Banyana made a confident start, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities through an attack led by Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia. Yet their inability to convert early chances proved costly against disciplined opponents content to defend deep and strike on the counter.
Tanzania’s breakthrough arrived seven minutes before the interval through a moment of individual brilliance. Diana Msewa collected the ball inside her own half, surged through the South African defence and calmly finished past Andile Dlamini to stun the defending champions.
South Africa responded positively and were back on level terms in first-half stoppage time. After the Tanzanian goalkeeper failed to hold an initial effort, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to prod the loose ball home from close range.
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Ellis introduced striker Nthabiseng Majiya at the interval in an attempt to seize control of the contest, but the tactical adjustment left more space for Tanzania to exploit. Although Banyana continued to enjoy the bulk of possession, clear scoring opportunities became increasingly scarce as the East Africans threatened whenever they broke forward.
The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Hasnath Ubamba found space inside the penalty area before drilling a low finish beyond Dlamini to secure a famous victory.
It was one of the tournament’s earliest shocks and leaves South Africa with little margin for error. Ellis’ team must now regroup quickly before facing Ivory Coast in a fixture that has already taken on enormous significance in the race for a place in the knockout stages.