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Tanzania stun South Africa in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Hasnath Ubamba was the hero, scoring the winner to give the Twiga Stars three points and hand the Banyana Banyana a stunning setback.
Tanzania produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating South Africa 2-1 in an exciting clash that opened the action in Group B.
The Twiga Stars showed character, intensity and efficiency to overcome one of Africa’s top teams and secure their first-ever victory over this challenging opponent.
The historic result gives Tanzania three crucial points that could prove decisive in their journey through the continental tournament.
TANZANIA SHOCK SOUTH AFRICA WITH HISTORIC VICTORY
Tanzania stepped onto the pitch with an attacking mindset and quickly made it clear they were not intimidated by South Africa’s status as favorites. From the opening minutes, the Twiga Stars created danger and forced their opponents’ defense to remain fully focused.
After several attempts, Diana Msewa opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a precise finish that put Tanzania ahead and stunned the crowd.
South Africa, the 2022 African champions and one of the continent’s strongest teams, responded before halftime.
Following a brilliant save from goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa to deny a second goal, the Banyana Banyana found the equalizer through Bambanani Mbane, who reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box to level the match at 45+2’.
THE MARADONA-STYLE WONDER GOAL THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE
The second half continued at a high intensity, with both teams looking to impose their style of play. South Africa had chances to complete the comeback, but Tanzania stood firm with organization and determination before finding their reward once again.
When it seemed the match was destined to end in a draw, Hasnath Ubamba stepped up in the 86th minute to score the winner and secure a historic victory for Tanzania at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The forward started her run from the left flank, drove into the box from that side and calmly finished past the South African defense, sparking an emotional celebration from a team that achieved one of the biggest results in its recent history.
Ubamba’s goal carried the spirit of Diego Armando Maradona’s iconic “Goal of the Century”, as she took on defenders with confidence, beating opponents on her way to a memorable finish.
The victory gives Tanzania three valuable points in Group B and boosts their chances of reaching the next round of the tournament.
For South Africa, the defeat represents a major setback at the start of their campaign and leaves the Banyana Banyana needing a win against Ivory Coast in their second match.
The Twiga Stars proved they are ready to compete against Africa’s top teams and made it clear they will give everything against Burkina Faso, who are considered the underdogs on paper.
