South Africa’s defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown has begun in the worst possible fashion after Banyana Banyana slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat against Tanzania in their opening Group B clash in Casablanca on Monday evening, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Coming into the tournament as the reigning African champions, expectations were high for Dr Desiree Ellis’ side. Instead, the defending champions were left frustrated after dominating large spells of the match but failing to turn their superiority into points.
With only the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals, the result immediately piles pressure on South Africa ahead of crucial encounters against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
Adding further significance to the competition, this year’s WAFCON also serves as Africa’s qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.
South Africa looked the brighter side from the opening whistle.
Sinoxolo Cesane was the first to threaten but failed to make clean contact with her effort, while Hildah Magaia, whose goals inspired South Africa to the 2022 title, also couldn’t capitalise on an inviting opportunity.
Karabo Dhlamini came agonisingly close to opening the scoring when her dangerous cross crashed against the crossbar with Tanzania goalkeeper Najiat Abass well beaten.
Despite Banyana controlling possession and creating the better opportunities, it was Tanzania who landed the first blow.
A swift counterattack in the 37th minute saw Diana Msewa drive forward before her low effort took a deflection off Bongeka Gamede and found its way into the back of the net, handing Tanzania a surprise lead.
South Africa responded positively.
Thembi Kgatlana almost equalised moments later, only to be denied by an excellent save from Abass.
However, the resulting corner produced the breakthrough Banyana deserved.
Abass failed to deal with the delivery, allowing experienced defender Bambanani Mbane to head home from close range and send the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
The equaliser appeared to shift momentum firmly back towards South Africa.
After the restart, Banyana continued to dictate much of the play.
Andile Dlamini produced a superb save to deny Hasnath Ubamba from a dangerous free-kick before South Africa squandered arguably their best opportunity of the evening.
Karabo Dhlamini delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, but Nthabiseng Majiya was unable to keep her close-range effort on target.
That miss would come back to haunt the defending champions.
With just minutes remaining, Tanzania produced the decisive moment. Ubamba collected possession on the left flank, cut inside the defence and fired a low shot past Dlamini at the near post in the 87th minute to silence the South African supporters.
The defeat leaves Banyana Banyana facing an uphill battle in Group B, with difficult fixtures against Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso still to come.
While South Africa created enough chances to win the match comfortably, their inability to convert opportunities ultimately proved costly.
For Ellis and her squad, the focus now shifts to responding quickly. Anything less than a positive result in their next outing could leave the reigning African champions in danger of an early exit from a tournament they entered hoping to defend their continental title and secure another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Picture: Zamani Makautsi / Gallo Images
