Desiree Ellis Demands "Guns Blazing" Start From Banyana Against Tanzania
Banyana Banyana open their WAFCON Morocco 2026 campaign against Tanzania at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kickoff at 6:00 PM WAT (1:00 PM ET / 17:00 GMT).
Head coach Desiree Ellis said the opener would set the tone for South Africa's tournament. "The first match is very important as it sets the tone for the rest of the tournament," Ellis said. "You have to go all out with guns blazing." She acknowledged Tanzania's physicality but pointed to South Africa's experience against similar opponents, adding that keeping a clean sheet and controlling the game would be key.
Captain Refiloe Jane echoed the warning against complacency. "Tanzania is not going to be easy. We know that they are a difficult team to face, they are relentless and play until the last whistle," Jane said, stressing the need to convert chances early.
South Africa share Group B with Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. The four WAFCON semi-finalists qualify automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
