East Africa celebrated a monumental milestone on Monday evening as Tanzania’s Twiga Stars pulled off the biggest surprise of the opening round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating 2022 continental champions South Africa 2-1 at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.
The dramatic encounter saw substitute Hasnath Linus Ubamba fire home an 87th-minute winner, securing not only Tanzania’s first-ever victory over Banyana Banyana, but also their first-ever match win in WAFCON finals history.
Tanzania came out fearless against Dr. Desiree Ellis’ side, pressing hard from the onset: Forward Diana Lucas Msewa beat Bongeka Gamede inside the box before slotting a composed near-post finish past South African keeper Andile Dlamini to give the East Africans a shock lead.
On the stroke of halftime, South African defender Bambanani Mbane reacted fastest to a saved rebound to head home the equalizer.
With South Africa pushing forward late in the match, Hasnath Linus Ubamba delivered a stroke of individual brilliance, firing past Dlamini to complete a fairytale night for Bakari Shime’s team.
The victory puts Tanzania temporarily on top of Group B with three points, as West African sides Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso prepare to square off later in Casablanca.
Prior to Monday, Tanzania had failed to win any of their six previous WAFCON finals matches across the 2010 and 2024 editions.
By taking all three points against one of the tournament favorites, the Twiga Stars have put Group B on notice as they target a spot in the quarter-finals and a dream berth at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
