Tanzania produced a huge upset in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B opener, claiming a historic 2-1 victory over South Africa on Monday to register their first-ever win at the continental tournament.
A late strike from Hasnath Ubamba sealed a memorable triumph for the Twiga Stars, ending Banyana Banyana’s ten-match unbeaten run in WAFCON group-stage matches.
Tanzania took the lead in the 37th minute through Diana Msewa. However, their advantage lasted only a few minutes as South Africa responded before the break, with Bambanani Mbane finding the equaliser on the stroke of half-time to make it 1-1.
Desiree Ellis’ side controlled possession for much of the second half and pushed for a winning goal, but it was Tanzania who delivered the decisive blow. Substitute Ubamba struck in the 86th minute, showing great composure to turn her marker before drilling a low finish beyond goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to spark wild celebrations and hand the East Africans a famous victory.
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In the other Group B fixture, Ivory Coast marked their return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 12-year absence with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in Casablanca.
The Lady Elephants dominated from the outset and effectively wrapped up the contest inside the opening 23 minutes. Rebecca Elloh opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Inès Konan netted twice in quick succession to hand Reynold Pedros’ side a commanding 3-0 lead.
Ivory Coast were handed a reprieve five minutes before half-time when Mariam Diakité had a red card overturned following a VAR review. Burkina Faso, however, were reduced to ten players early in the second half after goalkeeper Faoziatou Ouedraogo was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute.
The numerical advantage paid immediate dividends as 18-year-old N’sira Ouedraogo, who had won the free-kick that led to the dismissal, curled home a superb effort from the resulting set-piece to extend Ivory Coast’s lead to 4-0.
Adama Congo pulled one back for Burkina Faso on the hour mark, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the Lady Elephants comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest to secure all three points.
The results leave Ivory Coast top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Tanzania, with both teams beginning their campaigns with victories. Ivory Coast will face South Africa in their next fixture on Friday, while Tanzania will take on Burkina Faso later the same day.
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