Banyana Suffer Shock In WAFCON 2026 Opening Defeat
Banyana Banyana began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Monday evening.
Tanzania took the lead in the 37th minute through Dian Msewa before Real Madrid midfielder Hasnath Hubamba struck the winner in the 87th minute to hand the East Africans all three points.
South Africa’s only goal came on the stroke of half-time when Bambanani Mbane headed home from a corner after Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa punched the ball into her path.
The defeat marked the first time Banyana Banyana have lost to Tanzania in WAFCON history. The two nations had previously met twice in the tournament, with South Africa recording one victory while the other encounter ended in a draw.
Banyana produced a much-improved performance after the break and created several chances in search of an equaliser. Their best opportunity fell to Gabriela Salgado, whose left-footed strike from inside the penalty area flashed narrowly wide of the target.
However, despite their second-half pressure, Banyana were punished late on as Hubamba scored the decisive goal to seal a famous 2-1 victory for Tanzania.
The other Group B fixture takes place later on Monday evening, with Ivory Coast facing Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Banyana Banyana will return to action on Thursday when they take on Ivory Coast at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, while Tanzania will face Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
