Tanzania Shock Banyana Banyana with Historic WAFCON Victory

Despite controlling possession for much of the contest, Banyana Banyana were unable to capitalise on their dominance. Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Najat Idrisa, produced a series of impressive saves to frustrate the defending champions before Hasnath Ubamba struck a dramatic late winner to seal Tanzania’s first-ever victory over South Africa.

Banyana nearly made the perfect start in the 11th minute when Tanzania failed to clear a dangerous delivery into the box. However, Noxolo Cesane was unable to convert from close range, sending her effort wide with her left foot.

Against the run of play, Tanzania took the lead in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa launched a powerful run from midfield, driving into the penalty area before firing a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Andile Dlamini at the near post.

Play was briefly halted following a heavy collision between South Africa’s Lebogang Ramalepe and Tanzania’s Clement Tukumbuke. Both players required medical attention and were forced off the field.

Banyana responded just before halftime. A poorly defended corner allowed defender Bambanani Mbane to react quickest, heading home from close range to level the score and send the teams into the break at 1-1.

Tanzania threatened again early in the second half when substitute Hasnath Ubamba curled a superb free-kick toward goal, but Dlamini produced an outstanding one-handed save to keep South Africa level.

South Africa had a golden chance to take the lead in the 70th minute. Karabo Dhlamini delivered another dangerous cross that found substitute Nthabiseng Najiya inside the six-yard box, but her mishit effort rolled harmlessly wide.

The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute. Ubamba was given space on the left wing, cut inside her marker and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from a tight angle that beat Dlamini at the near post, handing Tanzania a memorable victory.

Banyana threw everything forward in stoppage time, and Rafiloe Jane came close with the final chance of the match. Her goal-bound effort, however, was comfortably gathered by Idrisa, who capped an excellent individual performance as Tanzania celebrated a famous opening-night win.