South Africa’s Banyana Banyana opened their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania on 27 July in Casablanca.
Coach Desiree Ellis said her side were not good enough at both ends of the pitch. Banyana Banyana were wasteful in front of goal and could do better defensively, she added.
Tanzania scored through Diana Msewa in the first half. Bambanani Mbane equalised for South Africa with a header just before half-time. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba scored the winner for Tanzania late in the match at Moulay Rachid Stadium.
Ellis noted that the next two games are must-win. South Africa face Ivory Coast on 31 July and Burkina Faso on 4 August.
