TANZANIA delivered a stunning performance to hold defending champions South Africa to a dramatic 1-1 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, throwing Group C wide open with just one round of fixtures remaining.
The result leaves South Africa and Mali deadlocked on four points each at the top of the group, while Tanzania and Ghana remain tied on one point apiece in a group where any of the four teams could still advance to the quarterfinals.
Tanzania shocked Banyana Banyana in the 24th minute when Opah Clement rose unmarked to power home a header from close range following a perfectly delivered set piece by Ester Maseke. The early breakthrough gave the Tanzanians crucial momentum against opponents who had dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into clear chances.
South Africa’s frustration mounted as goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa produced a spectacular double save in first-half stoppage time to deny Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, while Lonathemba Mhlongo somehow missed a header from point-blank range.
Coach Desiree Ellis’ halftime introduction of star forward Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe proved decisive. The substitutions paid immediate dividends when Ramalepe’s precise cross found Bambanani Mbane, who bundled home the equaliser in the 70th minute to level the score.
The match’s decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Tanzanian midfielder Elizabeth Chenge received her second yellow card, leaving her team to defend with 10 players. Despite the numerical disadvantage and relentless South African pressure in stoppage time, Tanzania held firm thanks to commanding performances from Julitha Singano and the inspirational Idrisa between the posts.
Mali’s Efficiency Keeps Quarterfinal Dreams Alive
In the group’s other fixture, Mali demonstrated remarkable efficiency to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ghana in a West African derby that showcased contrasting approaches to the beautiful game.
Ghana dominated the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead through Alice Kusi in the sixth minute, but Mali’s response epitomised their tournament philosophy: maximum impact with minimum chances.
“This evening, the beginning of the match was tough for us,” admitted Mali coach Mohamed Saloum. “The Ghanaians really gave us a lot of problems, but at halftime, I gave our players motivation. I told the players to seize the opportunity. We want to qualify.”
Aissata Traore’s second-half equaliser maintained Mali’s perfect record of scoring in group games, extending their streak to seven consecutive matches. The result also marked Mali’s 25th WAFCON appearance in fitting style.
Ghana’s Statistical Dominance Masks Deeper Concerns
Ghana’s predicament illustrates tournament football’s brutal reality. Despite registering 18 shots to Mali’s minimal threat, accumulating 58% possession and creating 2.6 expected goals compared to Mali’s 0.6, the Black Queens find themselves bottom of the group with just one point from two games.
The statistics mask a worrying trend: Ghana’s winless streak at WAFCON has now stretched to four games, with the team failing to win their second group game in their last five tournament appearances dating back to 2008.
“We had chances to win it,” insisted Ghana coach Nils Björkegren. “On a normal day, we would win 9/10 times but here we are with a point. We are still in the tournament. We just need to win the last game.”
Final Round Sets Up Winner-Takes-All Scenarios
The group’s final matchday promises high drama with multiple permutations still possible. South Africa, needing only a draw to guarantee progression, will face the pressure of expectation as defending champions. Mali, meanwhile, have positioned themselves perfectly to capitalise on any slip-ups from the favourites.
For Tanzania and Ghana, the mathematics remain simple: victory in their final fixtures could still secure quarterfinal berths, making every remaining minute crucial in what has become one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Group C, where tactical acumen, mental fortitude, and perhaps a touch of fortune will determine which two teams join the continent’s elite eight in the knockout rounds.
