South Africa suffered an early setback in their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Tanzania in their opening Group B fixture on Monday in Casablanca.
Despite controlling large spells of the contest and creating the better opportunities, Banyana Banyana were left frustrated by poor finishing as Tanzania capitalised on their chances to secure a valuable victory.
Tanzania struck first in the 37th minute through Diana Msewa, whose effort took a deflection off South African defender Bongeka Gamede before finding the net.
The goal came against the run of play after South Africa had dominated possession and threatened several times.
The defending champions responded before the break when Bambanani Mbane headed home from close range after Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Abass failed to deal with a corner, restoring parity with her sixth international goal in her 104th appearance.
South Africa continued to press after half-time and looked the more likely side to find a winner.
However, they squandered several clear-cut opportunities, including a close-range miss by Nthabiseng Majiya after an inviting cross from Karabo Dhlamini.
Their wastefulness proved costly late in the match as Hasnath Ubamba produced a moment of brilliance in the 87th minute. The winger cut in from the left before firing a low effort past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini at the near post to hand Tanzania all three points.
Earlier, Sinoxolo Cesane dragged a promising effort wide, while Hildah Magaia fired over the crossbar after making a clever run into the penalty area. Dhlamini also came close to breaking the deadlock when her deep cross crashed against the crossbar with Abass beaten.
Tanzania also created dangerous moments, with Dlamini producing an excellent save to keep out Ubamba’s curling free-kick before the decisive late strike.
The defeat leaves South Africa under pressure in Group B, with difficult fixtures against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso still to come.
The tournament also serves as Africa’s qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will secure automatic qualification, while two losing quarter-finalists will progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
