Ellis Backs Banyana Banyana to Respond After Shock WAFCON 2026 Defeat to Tanzania
South Africa must now beat Ivory Coast to revive their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign after suffering a disappointing opening Group B defeat.
Banyana Banyana will be looking to bounce back quickly at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after opening their title defence with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tanzania on Monday evening.
According to safa.net, South Africa head coach Dr Desiree Ellis remains confident her side has what it takes to recover from the setback despite losing their opening Group B fixture at Moulay Rachid Stadium.
The Twiga Stars stunned the 2022 WAFCON champions with a clinical display, capitalising on their chances while Banyana Banyana struggled to convert the opportunities they created throughout the match.
Tanzania broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa, leaving South Africa chasing the game. However, Banyana responded just before the halftime whistle when experienced defender Bambanani Mbane rose to the occasion to score the equaliser during stoppage time, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Despite creating several promising attacks, Banyana Banyana were unable to make their dominance count. Instead, Tanzania struck again through substitute Hasnath Ubamba with less than five minutes remaining to secure a memorable victory and claim all three points.
Speaking after the match, Ellis admitted her team paid the price for defensive lapses and missed opportunities.
“Goals win games, we knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves,” Ellis said, as quoted by safa.net.
Ellis Backs Banyana Banyana to Respond After Shock WAFCON 2026 Defeat to Tanzania (Image: Banyana Banyana)
The defeat leaves South Africa with work to do in a highly competitive Group B. Their next challenge comes against Ivory Coast, who made an emphatic start to the tournament by defeating Burkina Faso 4-1 in the group’s other fixture.
The stakes are particularly high at this year’s WAFCON, with the tournament offering more than just continental glory. The four semi-finalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding extra significance to every group-stage encounter.
Banyana Banyana will now regroup ahead of Friday’s crucial showdown against Ivory Coast before concluding their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso next Tuesday. With qualification for the knockout stages and a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup still within reach, Ellis and her squad know a strong response will be essential in their remaining matches.