Despite creating several promising opportunities throughout the encounter, Banyana Banyana were left frustrated as Tanzania made the most of their chances to claim a memorable victory.
The East Africans broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Diana Msewa found the back of the net, putting South Africa under early pressure. Defender Bambanani Mbane responded just before the halftime whistle, scoring the equaliser to ensure the sides went into the break level.
Looking to change the course of the match, head coach Dr Desiree Ellis introduced fresh legs in the second half, bringing on Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig. However, it was Tanzania who delivered the decisive blow, scoring the winning goal with less than five minutes remaining.
South Africa pushed forward in search of another equaliser but could not find a breakthrough, leaving the defending champions empty-handed in their opening fixture.
Speaking after the match, Ellis admitted her side had made life difficult for themselves and paid the price for defensive lapses.
“Goals win games. We knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor. They had two chances and scored both of them. We created opportunities but failed to convert them,” she said.
The defeat leaves Banyana Banyana with little room for error in Group B, especially after Ivory Coast secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the group’s other match.
Ellis believes her players have what it takes to recover but acknowledged that the remaining fixtures have now become must-win encounters.
“A good start would have given us momentum, but now our next match is like a final before the final. We cannot afford to drop any more points. We know we are capable of much better and we have to show that in our remaining games,” she added.
Although the result was disappointing, the evening marked a significant personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for South Africa. The creative playmaker became the latest player to reach the century mark for Banyana Banyana, a milestone Ellis described as a testament to her professionalism and dedication to the national team.