Tanzania produced one of the first major upsets of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by beating South Africa 1-2 in their Group B opener.
Despite South Africa controlling the match, recording 2.67 expected goals (xG) and 63% overall ball possession, Tanzania’s clinical finishing and resilient low block defence (44 total clearances) proved decisive in Casablanca.
The first half saw Desiree Ellis’s side dominate possession (67%) and generate 9 total shots (6 on target) with 1.27 xG, including one hit on the woodwork and a notable header. However, Tanzania struck first in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa converted an assist from Asha Rashid to beat goalkeeper Andile Dlamini and make it 0-1.
Tanzania received two yellow cards during the half (Aisha Mnunka in the 39th minute and Anastazia Katunzi in first-half stoppage time), before South Africa equalised just before the break. Two minutes into added time, centre-back Bambanani Mbane made it 1-1 to send the teams into half-time level.
In the second half, Ellis made a change at the restart, introducing Nthabiseng Majiya for Robyn Moodaly. South Africa pushed hard (15 second-half shots, 16 touches in the opponent’s box, and 0.89 xA), but found themselves repeatedly frustrated by Tanzania’s defence, which registered 25 clearances in the second period alone alongside strong goalkeeping from Najiat Idrisa.
Bakari Shime brought on Hasnath Ubamba in the 51st minute in place of Rashid. The substitution proved pivotal: in the 87th minute, after Tanzania had threatened on rare counter-attacks (0.99 xG in the second half), Ubamba scored the goal that won it for the Twiga Stars.
South Africa pressed aggressively for an equaliser in the closing minutes, sending on players such as Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig, but Tanzania held firm to secure their first three points of the competition.