Group B of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opened on Monday with significant upsets and strong performances, as Tanzania defeated former champions South Africa 2-1 and Côte d’Ivoire marked its return to the tournament with a 4-1 win over Burkina Faso.
The results leave both Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire tied at three points at the top of Group B, while South Africa and Burkina Faso remain without a point.
In the opening match, South Africa generated early pressure with Hildah Magaia missing narrowly off a pass from Thembi Kgatlana, and Karabo Dhlamini hitting the woodwork from long range. However, Tanzania took the lead against the run of play in the 37th minute when Diana Msewa bypassed Bongeka Gamede and scored past South African goalkeeper Dlamini.
South Africa pressed for an equalizer before halftime, with Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa denying Kgatlana. South Africa eventually leveled the score in first-half stoppage time when Bambanani Mbane headed in a rebound following another save by Idrisa.
After Refiloe Jane missed a chance to put South Africa ahead early in the second half, Tanzania secured the victory in the 86th minute. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba turned past her defender and scored past Dlamini to seal the win for the East Africans.
In the second Group B fixture in Casablanca, Côte d’Ivoire made a successful return to the tournament after a 12-year absence. The Lady Elephants took an early lead in the seventh minute through a Rebecca Elloh penalty. Ines Konan then extended the lead with two goals in the 14th and 23rd minutes, assisted by Rosemonde Kouassi and Nsira Ouedraogo, respectively.
Burkina Faso pulled a goal back immediately after the break through Adama Congo in the 46th minute, assisted by Balkissa Sawadogo. However, Côte d’Ivoire restored its three-goal advantage in the 56th minute when Ouedraogo scored to seal the 4-1 final score.
Group B action continues on Friday, with Tanzania taking on Burkina Faso, while South Africa faces Côte d’Ivoire.