Banyana Banyana stunned by Tanzania in WAFCON opener

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Byron Lukas

Pic credit:SAFA

Sasol Banyana Banyana suffered a disappointing start to their Group B campaign after going down 2-1 to Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday.

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the defending champions were left frustrated as Tanzania’s clinical finishing proved the difference. The East Africans took the lead in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa, putting South Africa on the back foot.

Banyana responded positively and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when defender Bambanani Mbane headed home the equaliser to send the sides into the break level.

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis made a series of attacking changes in the second half, introducing Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig in search of a winner. However, Tanzania struck the decisive blow with less than five minutes remaining, sealing a memorable 2-1 victory.

Ellis told SAFA.net that while her side created opportunities, they failed to capitalise on them, stressing that goals win matches.

She added that Banyana Banyana had anticipated Tanzania’s approach but were ultimately punished for two defensive lapses, describing both goals they conceded as poor and avoidable

“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,” she said.

However, despite the setback, Ellis remains optimistic that her side will respond strongly in their remaining group matches.

Banyana now face a stern test against Ivory Coast, who announced themselves as serious contenders with a commanding 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the other Group B encounter.

“We still have it in us, it wasn’t a good day at the office, we can be better than that. We cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We knew that we had it in us to get positive results, and for that we are disappointed,” Eliss added.

Meanwhile, the defeat also overshadowed a significant personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for South Africa.