Huge Upset! Tanzania Clinch Historic Victory Over South Africa in WAFCON Opener

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image Huge Upset! Tanzania Clinch Historic Victory Over South Africa in WAFCON Opener
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations saw its first major upset on Monday night, with Tanzania pulling off an against-the-odds victory over South Africa at the Moulay Rachid Stadium. The result has blown Group B in the competition wide open with the Twiga Stars and Ivory Coast now leading the standings.
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Twiga Stars Secure First-Ever Victory Over Banyana Banyana

South Africa’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 campaign got off to a disappointing start as Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener in Casablanca on Monday night. 

Despite controlling large periods of the contest and creating several promising opportunities, Banyana Banyana were unable to make their dominance count and were punished by a clinical Twiga Stars side that made the most of the limited opportunities they were afforded. 

With only two teams in each group advancing to the quarter-finals, Banyana now face an uphill battle to progress!

Tanzania took a shock lead in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa’s low effort deflected off Bongeka Gamede and into the net. South Africa responded before the break, with Bambanani Mbane heading home from close range for her sixth international goal. 

Banyana looked the more likely side to find a winner in the second half, but they failed to capitalise on their chances and were made to pay for their wastefulness when Hasnath Ubamaba fired a stunning shot past Andile Dlamini at her near post. 

The result leaves Desiree Ellis’ side with little room for error, with Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso to come in Group B. The stakes are even higher given that all four semi-finalists in this year’s WAFCON earn direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. 

Linda Motlhalo Joins South Africa Century Club

Despite the disappointing outcome for Banyana Banyana, the match against Tanzania was a huge moment for Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap in the iconic yellow and green national colours in Casablanca. 

The midfielder, who operates in a creative role or out wide when required, celebrated her 28th birthday on July 1. The milestone month brought another achievement, as she became one of just 13 players to have earned 100+ caps for South Africa. Speaking to CAF online, she said: 

“It has been a long journey filled with ups and downs, blessings and successes. I think the biggest thing for me was getting that first cap, that first opportunity. I think I grabbed that opportunity and I never looked back. I think that is beautiful.”

South Africa are one of just three nations to have lifted the prestigious WAFCON trophy, and Motlhalo is part of the celebrated squad that etched its name into history by bringing continental glory to Mzansi back in 2022.