Banyana Banyana target winning start against Tanzania at WAFCON

Having spent the past week fine-tuning their preparations in North Africa, the South African champions are confident but wary of a Tanzanian side that has proved to be a difficult opponent in previous encounters.

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis stressed the significance of making a strong start.

"The first match is very important because it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. Everything we have done and prepared has been geared towards this game because you cannot look beyond it without getting a good result," Ellis was quoted on the SAFA website.

She acknowledged Tanzania's strengths while expressing confidence in her team's readiness.

"We have faced Tanzania a couple of times before and the games have been very tight. They can play and they bring a lot of physicality, but we have dealt with teams like these in the past and have prepared extremely well. The key will be to keep a clean sheet and control the game."

The 2022 African champions have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

Captain Refiloe Jane echoed her coach's sentiments, highlighting the importance of converting opportunities into goals.

"Tanzania is not going to be easy. We know they are a difficult team to face - they are relentless and play until the last whistle. We have to make sure we capitalise on every chance we create. Winning the opening match gives you confidence, so it is important that we get a positive result," Jane said.

South Africa could also celebrate a significant individual milestone, with midfield playmaker Linda Motlhalo poised to earn her 100th senior international cap should she be named in the starting line-up.

WAFCON 2026 officially got underway on 26 July and will conclude on 16 August, when Africa's new champions will be crowned. Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions.

This edition also carries added significance, with the tournament's four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.