Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis is confident her charges will bounce back after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B match of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday, 27 July 2026.
A goal in each half saw the Twiga Stars emerge victorious in an encounter where South Africa created chances but could not convert. Diana Msewa put the East Africans ahead late in the first half with a superb solo effort that earned her the Player of the Match award.
Defender Bambanani Mbane would have none of it, restoring parity with a close-range header in first-half added time.
Ellis turned to her bench in the second half, sending on Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig, with Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Noxolo Cesane making way.
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But it was Tanzania who retook the lead in the closing minutes, substitute Hasnath Ubamba striking to seal the points, and no matter how much South Africa tried, they could not find an equaliser.
“Goals win games, we knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor.”
Sasol Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis
“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,” said Ellis.
Banyana Banyana next take on Côte d’Ivoire, who blasted their way to a 4-1 win over Burkina Faso in the other Group B fixture at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us the momentum and now the next match becomes a final before the final, it’s a must-win, and also the game after that.”
“We still have it in us, it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that,” added Ellis. “We cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We knew that we had it in us to get positive results, and for that we are disappointed.”
The result was a bittersweet moment for Motlhalo, who celebrated her 100th appearance in South African colours. She joins an illustrious list of 12 other players who have achieved the milestone, including captain Refiloe Jane, Mbane and Lebohang Ramalepe, who were all in the starting 11 against Tanzania.
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“Linda came into the team back in 2015 and has been in the team ever since. She is someone you can rely on, very creative, very good on the ball and she deserves it. Hopefully she can go further and clock another 50. She has been a tremendous and an ultimate professional, and has carried herself well. I just want to say congratulations to her, and her family can be proud of how much she has given to the game,” said Ellis.
Banyana Banyana will now regroup and continue preparations for their clashes against Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, 31 July 2026 and Burkina Faso on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
“The result may not have gone our way today, but we know what this team is capable of. Banyana Banyana remain resilient, united, and proud. We have every confidence that they will regroup, learn, and come back stronger in the next match. We continue to stand behind them every step of the way,” said Dean Somerset, Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol.
The Sasol Banyana Banyana WAFCON 2026 Group B Campaign at the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Casablanca:
Mon 27 July: South Africa 1-2 Tanzania
Fri 31 July, 19h00: South Africa vs. Côte d’Ivoire
Tue 4 August, 22h00: South Africa vs. Burkina Faso
All times CAT
Banyana Banyana Playing XI
16 Andile Dlamini (Goalkeeper)
2 Lebohang Ramalepe
13 Bambanani Mbane
3 Bongeka Gamede
7 Karabo Dhlamini
15 Refiloe Jane (Captain)
6 Noxolo Cesane
20 Robyn Moodaly-Salgado
10 Linda Motlhalo
8 Hildah Magaia
11 Thembi Kgatlana
South Africa Substitutes Used
Nthabiseng Majiya
Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado
Amogelang Motau
Ronnel Donnelly
Isabella Ludwig
Tanzania Playing XI
Najiat Idrisa (Goalkeeper)
Ester Maseke
Violeth Mwamakamba
Julieth Singano
Anastazia Katunzi
Enekia Lunyamila
Aisha Mnunka
Diana Msewa
Donisia Minja
Opa Clement Tukumbuke (Captain)
Asha Rashid Mwalala
Tanzania Substitute Used
Hasnath Ubamba
Original Copy: SAFA, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Sasol Banyana Banyana head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has backed her side to bounce back after a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B match of WAFCON 2026 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday, 27 July 2026. Photo: SAFA
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