Defending champions South Africa were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw by a spirited Tanzania side in their second Group C match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), played in Oujda on Friday.
Veteran defender Bambanani Mbane came to the rescue for Banyana Banyana, cancelling out an impressive first-half opener from Twiga Stars captain Opah Clement.
Tanzania, ranked 83 places below South Africa in the FIFA standings, shocked the continental giants by taking the lead in the 24th minute. Clement met a well-delivered free-kick with a powerful header that beat goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who might have done better with her positioning.
South Africa looked disjointed in the first half, struggling to break down a well-organised Tanzanian side. However, coach Desiree Ellis rang the changes at half-time, introducing fresh legs to increase attacking intensity.
The equaliser eventually came in the 70th minute, with Mbane reacting quickly to slot home a loose ball after a corner, restoring parity and sparing South Africa from a potential upset.
Tanzania were reduced to 10 players in the 84th minute after Winfrida Gerald was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a reckless foul on Linda Motlhalo.
Despite the numerical advantage, South Africa could not find a winner, and the game ended in a draw, leaving both teams with work to do in their final group matches.
The result moves South Africa to the top of Group C on four points, level with Mali but ahead on goal difference. The two sides will meet in a potentially group-deciding clash on Monday at 19:00 GMT.
Tanzania, meanwhile, earned their first point of the tournament and still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals if they defeat Ghana in their last group match.
The match highlighted the rising competitiveness in African women’s football, with low-ranked Tanzania pushing the reigning champions all the way in an entertaining encounter.
