2024 Women's AFCON: Tanzania holds South Africa and claims a point | OneFootball

A tightly contested match where the Twiga Stars stood up to the defending champions despite heavy pressure.

2024 Women's AFCON: Tanzania holds South Africa and claims a point

Tanzania secured their first point at the 2024 Women's AFCON by holding South Africa to a 1-1 draw on matchday two in Group C, Morocco. Despite clear dominance, Banyana Banyana could not break down the resilient Twiga Stars.

The final clash of the second round of the 2024 Women's AFCON saw reigning champions South Africa face Tanzania at Stade d'Honneur in Oujda. With different ambitions, Banyana Banyana were chasing qualification while the Twiga Stars were seeking their first ever win.

Tanzania strikes first in the opening half

Although outplayed in terms of possession, Tanzania showed remarkable efficiency in the final third. After several offensive forays, the Twiga Stars found the breakthrough. Set up by Ester Maseke, Opah Clement capitalized on an indirect free kick to nod home the opener in the 24th minute. Kaylin Swart could do nothing to deny the goal. South Africa tried to respond quickly, with Kgaelebane Mohlakoana and Sibulele Holweni unleashing a flurry of shots, but Tanzanian goalkeeper Najiat Idrisa was in inspired form, denying several clear chances.

Banyana Banyana fight back with intensity

In the second half, the South Africans ramped up the pressure. After a string of corners and shots on target, they finally found the equalizer in the 70th minute. Bambanani Mbane latched onto a cross from Lebohang Ramalepe in the heart of the box and finished clinically with her right foot. Tanzania had to withstand long spells of defensive pressure and, despite a straight red card for Elizabeth Chenge in the 84th minute, held their nerve. Down to ten, they closed ranks until the final whistle. The match ended in a frustrating draw for South Africa, who dominated possession (63%) but lacked cutting edge in the decisive moments.

This result gets Tanzania off the mark in the competition. Defending champions South Africa remain near the top of the group with 4 points, but now feel the pressure as Mali, also on 4 points, keeps the race tight.