Tanzania’s Twiga Stars face a stern test on Tuesday when they take on defending champions South Africa in a crucial Group B fixture of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with both sides seeking a strong start to their campaign.
While South Africa enter the contest as favourites, history suggests Tanzania have every reason to believe they can challenge the African champions.
The two sides have met twice before at the WAFCON finals, with Banyana Banyana holding the advantage.
South Africa won their first meeting 2-1 during the 2010 tournament before the teams settled for a 1-1 draw in the 2024 edition, a result that earned Tanzania their first-ever point at the continental championship.
That draw remains one of the biggest moments in Tanzania’s women’s football history and will serve as motivation as the East Africans look to register their maiden WAFCON victory.
South Africa arrive at the tournament as the reigning African champions after lifting their first WAFCON title in Morocco in 2022. They have qualified for every edition of the competition and remain one of the continent’s most consistent teams, having reached the knockout stages in each of their last nine appearances.
For Tanzania, this marks only their third appearance at the tournament and the first time they have qualified for consecutive WAFCON finals. Despite yet to record a win, the Twiga Stars have shown steady progress, with the 2024 draw against South Africa demonstrating their ability to compete against Africa’s elite.
Interestingly, Tanzania’s goals at previous WAFCON tournaments have all come in the first half, while neither side has managed to keep a clean sheet in their previous meetings.
South Africa will also be looking to maintain coach Desiree Ellis‘ impressive record in WAFCON group-stage openers, having never lost an opening match under her leadership.
As both teams kick off their Group B campaign, South Africa will be aiming to defend their continental crown, while Tanzania will be chasing history by securing their first-ever victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
A positive result for the Twiga Stars would not only boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages but also mark another significant milestone in the growth of women’s football in Tanzania.
