Tanzania Shock South Africa as Côte d'Ivoire Win Big at WAFCON 2026

Posted : 28 July 2026

Matchday Two of the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations delivered its first major upset as Tanzania defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in Group B. Côte d'Ivoire also made an impressive return to the tournament by beating Burkina Faso 4-1 in Casablanca.

Tanzania produced one of the biggest results of the opening round at the Moulay Rachid Stadium. Having managed only a draw and a defeat in their previous two WAFCON meetings with South Africa, the East Africans finally secured their first victory over Banyana Banyana on the continental stage.

The Tanzanians showed confidence from the opening minutes and were rewarded in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa capitalised on a defensive mistake, beat Bongeka Gamede, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to give her side a deserved lead.

South Africa responded after the break and found an equaliser, but Tanzania refused to settle for a point. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba became the match winner in the 86th minute after turning her marker before firing a low shot beyond Dlamini to seal a famous victory for the Twiga Stars.

The result gives Tanzania three valuable points ahead of their next Group B fixture against Burkina Faso. South Africa, meanwhile, will need a positive result against Côte d'Ivoire to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Earlier in the day, Côte d'Ivoire marked their return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 12-year absence with a commanding 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The Lady Elephants dominated the first half and took the lead through Rebecca Elloh from the penalty spot. Ines Konan then scored twice to put Côte d'Ivoire firmly in control, with Rosemonde Kouassi and Nsira Ouedraogo providing the assists.

Burkina Faso briefly threatened a comeback after the interval when Adama Congo finished a move created by Balkissa Sawadogo. However, Côte d'Ivoire quickly restored their three-goal advantage as Ouedraogo added the fourth goal to complete an impressive opening-day performance.

The victory handed head coach Reynald Pedros a dream start to the tournament and set up a highly anticipated meeting with South Africa in the next round of Group B fixtures.

Following the opening matches, Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire sit joint top of Group B with three points each. South Africa and Burkina Faso remain without a point and face crucial matches when the group resumes later this week as the battle for the quarter-final places intensifies.

Tanzania Shock South Africa as Côte d'Ivoire Win Big at WAFCON 2026

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