Banyana Banyana’s defence of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title got off to a disappointing start after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their Group B opener at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday evening.
Despite the setback, South Africa still has an opportunity to qualify for the quarter-finals, with two crucial group-stage matches remaining. Banyana Banyana will face Ivory Coast on 31 July before taking on Burkina Faso on 4 August in a bid to keep their title defence alive.
The defeat prompted an outpouring of support from South Africans, including Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, who encouraged the team to remain focused.
“Our comeback will be much stronger, let’s get past this loss and plan for our next victory. You dominated the game today, but luck was not on our side,” McKenzie wrote on social media platform X.
He added that the entire nation remains behind the team as they prepare for the remainder of the tournament.
MEC encourages Banyana Banyana
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has commended Banyana Banyana for their fighting spirit and urged them not to be dissuaded by the outcome of the opening game.
“The team’s character has been tested but we are confident they can bounce back. What remains encouraging is the commitment, effort and passion displayed by the players and we call upon them to go back to the drawing board, regroup and prepare to win the remaining games,” said MEC Maile.
“We call on all patriotic South Africans to remain united and continue to support the girls as they prepare for their next match. We remain unwavering in our support and understand that the team carry the hopes and pride of the nation and deserve our continued backing and encouragement,” MEC Maile said.
South Africa is competing in Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals.
Although the result was disappointing, the match marked a major personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th appearance for the senior women’s national team.
The 2026 WAFCON is being held in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August and also serves as a qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four teams that reach the semi-finals will automatically qualify for the global showpiece.
Banyana Banyana will now turn their attention to Thursday’s must-win clash against Ivory Coast as they look to revive their WAFCON campaign.
