WAFCON 2026: Tanzania Record Shock 2-1 Win Against South Africa

Tanzania caused the first major upset of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-1 win over Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their first Group B fixture in Casablanca on Monday.

Despite edging the early exchanges it was Tanzania who took the lead in the 37th minute following a quick breakaway.

Diana Msewa picked up the ball 35 yards from goal and drove towards goal and hit a low strike which deflected off a South African defender Bongeka Gamede.

Thembi Kgatlana was denied by a superb stop from Tanzania goalkeeper but from the resulting corner, Banyana equalised, thanks to Bambanani Mbane headed in from close range.

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Tanzania almost went ahead again when Hasnath Ubamba’s free-kick from the edge of the box looked to be hezding into the net before Dlamini made a save to keep the scores level.

South Africa should have gone in front when Dhlamini’s perfect cross was met by Nthabiseng Majiya, but she steered the ball wide from close range.

Tanzania then went 2-1 ahead after fine work on the left wing by Ubamba saw her cut inside and fire low to beat Dlamini at her near post in the 87th minute.

South Africa will take on Côte d’Ivoire in their second Group B game on July 31 while Tanzania will hope to secure qualification into the quarterfinal when they face Burkina Faso.

By James Agberebi