Tanzania shock South Africa in major WAFCON upset

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Tanzania pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating former champions South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling Group B encounter at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Monday.

The victory breathed new life into Tanzania’s quarter-final hopes while dealing a significant setback to South Africa, who dominated much of the contest but were left to rue missed opportunities.

Tanzania stunned the South Africans in the 37th minute when D. Msewa fired home from an Asha R. Mwalala assist to give her side a deserved lead.

South Africa, however, responded swiftly, with Bambanani Mbane scoring in first-half stoppage time to restore parity and send the teams into the break level at 1-1.

The second half saw South Africa take control of possession and create the better chances, enjoying 63 per cent of the ball and registering 24 shots compared to Tanzania’s 10.

Despite the pressure, Tanzania remained compact defensively and struck decisively three minutes from time.

H. Ubamba converted D. Minja’s pass in the 87th minute to restore Tanzania’s lead, sending their bench into wild celebrations.

South Africa responded with late substitutions in search of an equaliser, but Tanzania defended resolutely to secure a famous victory at the final whistle.

The result significantly reshapes the Group B standings, boosting Tanzania’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage while leaving South Africa facing an uphill task in their remaining fixtures.