Tanzania Stun South Africa 2-1 in WAFCON Group B Opener as Ubamba’s Late Strike Seals Historic Victory

Tanzania pulled off a massive shock victory by defeating former champions South Africa 2-1 in their Group B opening match at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, marking their first-ever win over Banyana Banyana at the WAFCON finals

Tanzania pulled off a massive shock victory by defeating former champions South Africa 2–1 in their Group B opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The high-stakes match took place today, July 27, 2026, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Tanzania’s Diana Msewa broke the deadlock late in the first half to stun the favorites. South Africa hit back almost immediately when defender Bambanani Mbane struck a dramatic equalizer during first-half stoppage time. However, second-half substitute Hasnath Ubamba produced a brilliant piece of individual play to snatch the late winner for Tanzania.

South Africa heavily dominated the attacking workload, registering 18 shots, six on target, while Tanzania managed seven shots, four on target. The South Africans completed 314 accurate passes to Tanzania’s 185, while Tanzania recorded 29 defensive interventions to South Africa’s 13.

South African midfield maestro Linda Motlhalo made history by earning her landmark 100th cap for Banyana Banyana, though the occasion was marred by the disappointing defeat.

The referee kept a tight lid on a heavily physical second half. Tanzania used desperate tactical defensive interventions to choke out South Africa’s passing channels, which resulted in two yellow cards during the final twenty minutes of play.

This is a monumental achievement for Tanzania, marking their first-ever victory over South Africa at the WAFCON finals after previous attempts resulted in a loss and a draw. Tanzania will look to build on their historic win, while South Africa must regroup to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

accrastreetjournal.com/