Banyana’s opening Group B match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ended in a 2-1 loss to Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, despite controlling much of the play.
Diana Msewa broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 38th minute, carrying the ball forward from her own half before her effort took a deflection and beat goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.
Diana Msewa for Tanzania. Just special. 🇹🇿💫#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/xffvvQ61N5
— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2026
South Africa responded quickly. Bambanani Mbane levelled matters right on half time, turning in a rebound after Thembi Kgatlana’s effort had been kept out.
Bambanani Mbane ⚽💥
Banyana find an equaliser just before the half-time break 🇿🇦🔥
📺 Stream #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #HereForHer | #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/b85YZolWju
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 27, 2026
Desiree Ellis’ side continued to press after the interval and carved out further chances, but couldn’t find a second goal.
The decisive moment arrived three minutes from time, when substitute Hasnath Ubamba cut in from the left flank and beat Dlamini at her near post to complete the turnaround.
Ubamba. The Tanzanian savior. 🌟🇹🇿#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/YyixeV00cz
— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) July 27, 2026
Linda Motlhalo made her 100th Banyana Banyana appearance on the day, becoming the 13th player in the team’s history to reach that milestone.
South Africa now must beat Ivory Coast on Friday to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
