Banyana Banyana Kick Off WAFCON 2026 Campaign Against Tanzania
Banyana Banyana begin their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 journey on Monday evening when they face Tanzania at the Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca, Morocco.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm SAST (6:00pm local time), with Banyana Banyana looking to make a strong start in a tournament that not only crowns Africa’s champions but also offers a direct route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Head coach Desiree Ellis and her squad have spent the past week in North Africa finalising preparations for the opening Group B encounter.
Banyana Banyana head into the clash aware of the challenge Tanzania pose. The two sides drew 1-1 the last time they met, providing a reminder that the East Africans are capable of frustrating the South Africans.
Group B also features Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, making every result crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
Banyana Banyana Kick Off WAFCON 2026 Campaign Against Tanzania (Image: Banyana Banyana)
The 2026 edition of WAFCON carries added significance for all 16 participating nations. Along with the continental crown, the tournament offers a major incentive, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
That raises the stakes from the very first group-stage fixture, as every point could prove decisive in the quest for both continental success and a place on football’s biggest stage.
Banyana Banyana head into the tournament looking to reclaim the WAFCON title. At the previous edition, they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Nigeria, ending their hopes of defending the crown they won in 2022.
Now, Ellis’ side has another opportunity to challenge for continental honours while pursuing a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With preparations complete and expectations high, all eyes will be on Casablanca on Monday evening as Banyana Banyana begin what they hope will be another memorable WAFCON campaign.