By 
RABAT, MOROCCO — South Africa’s WAFCON defence got off to a nightmare start in Group B on Monday after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to an opportunistic Tanzania side at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.
Despite dominating prolonged spells and creating a host of chances, the reigning champions were undone by poor defensive moments and clinical finishing from the East Africans. Tanzania took the lead in the 31st minute when Diana Msewa capitalized on a lapse in the South African backline.
Banyana Banyana showed their characteristic fight just before the break. Veteran defender Bambanane Mbane restored parity deep into referee’s optional time, heading home to bring South Africa level heading into the tunnel.
In search of a decisive second-half winner, Head Coach Dr Desiree Ellis reshuffled her deck, introducing fresh energy in Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnely, and Isabella Ludwig. They replaced a star-studded lineup that included Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, and Noxolo Cesane.
However, despite the heavy pressure, South Africa’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly. With under five minutes remaining, Tanzania delivered a sucker punch, finding the net to seal a famous victory.
“Goals win games,” a visibly disappointed Ellis conceded post-match. “We knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves.”
The defeat puts immediate pressure on the South Africans. With group rivals Ivory Coast cruising to a dominant 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the other Group B encounter, Banyana’s margin for error has evaporated entirely.
“Now the next match becomes a final before the final — it’s a must-win, and also the game after that,” Ellis emphasized. “We still have it in us; it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that. We cannot drop any more points.”
The match offered a bittersweet milestone for playmaker Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for South Africa. She joins an elite group of 13 players to reach the milestone, alongside teammates Refiloe Jane, Mbane, and Lebo Ramalepe.
“Linda is someone you can rely on, very creative, very good on the ball, and she deserves it,” praised Ellis. “She has been a tremendous and an ultimate professional.”
Official sponsor Sasol also threw their weight behind the team following the setback. “Banyana Banyana remain resilient, united, and proud,” said Dean Somerset, Sasol Manager for Group Brand and Sponsorships. “We have every confidence that they will regroup, learn, and come back stronger.”
Banyana now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash against Ivory Coast on Friday, before wrapping up the group stage against Burkina Faso on Tuesday next week.
