Di national anthems of South Africa and Tanzania dey start with similar words, like ‘Nkosi sikelel’iAfrika’ and ‘Mungu Ibariki Afrika’. Dis no be coincidence; di two nations get deep history, linked by icons like Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere. Now, dat history dey on di shoulders of Banyana Banyana and Twiga Stars as dem prepare to face off for di TotalEnergies WAFCON 2026 for Moulay Rachid Stadium for Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday, July 27.
Di match na di second consecutive WAFCON where South Africa and Tanzania dey same group, and di third time dem go meet for di tournament. Last July, Opa Clement score first for Tanzania, but Bambanani Mbane equalize to give draw. Now, both sides dey set for another battle.
South Africa coach Desire Ellis, wey win CAF Women’s Coach of di Year four times, talk say dem no fit take any team lightly. ‘Our games have always been tight against Tanzania, but dis na game we must win. A positive result means we control our destiny,’ she tok. Ellis, wey be former captain, dey urge her side to use dem experience from competing for every WAFCON since 1998.
Refiloe Jane, wey reach 150 caps for South Africa, describe di tournament as ‘life-changing’. She say dem dey here to inspire di next generation and bring smiles to dia people. ‘We try to be di bridge of hope economically, politically, and to unite our people,’ she add.
For Tanzania, coach Bakari Shime dey optimistic. He lead di team to dia first ever WAFCON point for second appearance. Dem lose 1-2 to hosts South Africa for 2010, but for 2025 dem hold dem to draw. ‘We expect a tough tournament. Dis na gateway to World Cup for Brazil. We dey ready physically and technically,’ Shime yarn with smile. He note say Tanzania don benefit from COSAFA tournaments, winning U17 and senior championships for South Africa.
Opa Clement, wey now play for SD Eibar for Spain, dey hungry for more goals. ‘Against South Africa na tough game, but we ready. As striker, I want score more goals. Spain na big league, and I want replicate dat performance for national team,’ she tok. Di 25-year-old poster girl believe say Twiga Stars don shed rawness from last year and go offer more to fans.
Interesting stat: Both South Africa and Tanzania don score for each of dia last two WAFCON meetings, no clean sheet for 2010 and 2025.
