Tanzania shocked football fans by defeating South Africa 2-1 in their opening Group B match at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Casablanca, Morocco.
The Twiga Stars took the lead in the 38th minute through Diana Msewa, who was later named player of the match. Msewa's goal was a solo effort, starting from the centre circle and finishing past South Africa's goalkeeper Andile Dlamini at the near post.
South Africa, ranked 65 places higher than Tanzania, managed to equalise in first-half stoppage time when Bambanani Mbane headed in from a corner after a save by Tanzania's goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa.
Despite South Africa's status as the continent's second-ranked team behind defending champions Nigeria, they struggled throughout the match, showing defensive lapses and poor passing. Tanzania's physicality and direct style of play gave them the upper hand.
The decisive moment came late in the game when Hasnath Umbamba capitalised on a throw-in, outpaced a defender, and scored from a tight angle in the 87th minute, securing the win for Tanzania.
This result marks the first upset of the tournament, following expected wins by Morocco and Algeria in Group A. Tanzania now leads a group that also includes Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
