Burkina Faso claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group B clash at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Balkissa Sawadogo netting a late winner to seal all three points.
The Etalons Dames made the most of their numerical advantage after Tanzania were reduced to 10 players early in the second half, showing greater composure in front of goal to edge an entertaining contest.
Tanzania threatened almost immediately after kick-off when captain Opah Clement Tukumbuke raced through on goal following an aerial pass.
However, she failed to hit the target, sending her effort over the crossbar.
Donisia Minja also tested Burkina Faso from a direct free-kick, but her long-range strike sailed just over the top corner.
Burkina Faso responded with their first effort on target in the 14th minute, though Najat Idrisa gathered comfortably.
The Twiga Stars continued to press, with Ester Maseke heading wide after meeting Minja’s delivery from a cleared corner.
At the other end, Rasmata Sawadogo powered past her marker to whip in a dangerous cross, but Adama Congo failed to convert from close range.
Tanzania believed they had taken the lead when Tukumbuke finished from Hasnath Ubamba’s cross, but a VAR review ruled out the effort for a foul by the striker and an accidental handball. The decision also resulted in Tukumbuke receiving a yellow card.
Burkina Faso eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime. Adele Kabre reacted quickest after Violeth Mwamakamba failed to clear the danger, lifting the ball over the advancing Idrisa to give her side a 43rd-minute lead.
The Etalons Dames nearly doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Balkissa Sawadogo was played through by her twin sister, Rasmata, but Idrisa produced an important save.
Tanzania’s hopes suffered a major setback 10 minutes into the second half when Hasnath Ubamba was shown a red card following a VAR review after catching goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou on the calf during a challenge.
Despite being down to 10 players, Tanzania fought back and levelled the scores in the 62nd minute.
After Diana Msewa won a free-kick outside the penalty area, Minja’s powerful strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Dabilgou before Aisha Mnunka reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
Burkina Faso continued to press and almost benefited from a defensive mix-up when Julitha Singano’s effort brushed the post after Enekia Lunyamila’s clearance struck a teammate.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute. Juliette Nana’s initial effort was blocked, but Balkissa Sawadogo found space between the Tanzanian centre-backs before calmly firing home with the inside of her foot to restore Burkina Faso’s lead.
Tanzania pushed for another equaliser late on, but Mnunka’s headed pass towards Lunyamila was cleared by a Burkinabe defender before any danger could develop.
The result gives Burkina Faso a valuable victory in Group B as the race for a place in the knockout stages of the tournament intensifies.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is being held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16, with matches taking place in Rabat and Casablanca. Sixteen teams are competing in the group stage before the knockout rounds begin on August 8.
