Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis remains confident her side will recover from their disappointing start to the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday.
The defending champions created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert them as the Twiga Stars punished South Africa with goals in each half to claim a famous victory.
Tanzania opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa, silencing the South African supporters. However, experienced defender Bambanani Mbane restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time, giving Banyana Banyana renewed hope heading into the break.
Ellis made several attacking changes in the second half, introducing Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig in place of Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Noxolo Cesane.
Despite dominating large spells of the match, South Africa were dealt a decisive blow when Tanzania netted the winning goal with less than five minutes remaining. Banyana pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were unable to find the back of the net.
“Goals win games. We knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances, they scored both of them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult game, but we also made life difficult for ourselves,” said a disappointed Ellis.
Banyana Banyana now face a must-win clash against Ivory Coast, who opened their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the other Group B encounter.
“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us momentum. Now the next match becomes a final before the final. It’s a must-win, and so is the game after that. We still have it in us. It wasn’t a good day at the office, but we can be much better than that.
“We cannot afford to drop any more points and, with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We know we have what it takes to get positive results, and that’s why we are so disappointed.”
The defeat also overshadowed a personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who celebrated her 100th appearance for South Africa. She joins an elite group of 13 players to have reached the century mark, alongside captain Refiloe Jane, Bambanani Mbane and Lebogang Ramalepe, all of whom started against Tanzania.
“Linda came into the team in 2015 and has been a consistent performer ever since. She is someone you can always rely on. She is creative, excellent on the ball and fully deserves this achievement. Hopefully she can go on and earn another 50 caps.
“She has been a tremendous professional throughout her career and has always carried herself well. Congratulations to her. Her family can be proud of everything she has given to the game,” Ellis added.
Banyana Banyana will now regroup as they prepare for crucial Group B fixtures against Ivory Coast on Friday before concluding the group stage against Burkina Faso next Tuesday.