Banyana stunned by Tanzania, Ellis not panicking
Defending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Banyana Banyana suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening Group B match at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on Monday night.
South Africa created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to make them count, allowing the determined East Africans to claim a famous victory.
Tanzania took the lead in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa after capitalising on a defensive lapse.
Banyana responded just before halftime when defender Bambanani Mbane headed home the equaliser during stoppage time to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Head coach Desiree Ellis made several 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 had the final say. Twenty-year-old Hasnath Ubamba struck in the 87th minute to restore her side’s lead and stun the defending champions.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances through Thembi Kgatlana, Noxolo Cesane and Hildah Magaia, Banyana were unable to find another equaliser.
“We knew exactly how Tanzania would play, but the two goals we conceded were poor,” said a disappointed Ellis.
“They had two chances and scored both of them. We created enough opportunities but didn’t take them. We made life difficult for ourselves.“
The defeat leaves South Africa under pressure ahead of Friday’s clash against Ivory Coast, who opened their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso.
“The next match is now like a final before the final,” Ellis added.
“It is a must-win game. We cannot afford to drop any more points because only two teams qualify for the knockout stages. We know what this team is capable of, and we must respond.”
The result overshadowed a personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who made her 100th appearance for Banyana Banyana.
Ellis praised the midfielder for her consistency and professionalism.
“Linda has been outstanding for this team since 2015. She deserves this milestone, and hopefully she can go on to make many more appearances.“
Banyana will now regroup before facing Ivory Coast on Friday in a match that could determine their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. A final Group B encounter against Burkina Faso follows next Tuesday.
