The result leaves the group finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures. South Africa and Mali are tied on four points each, while Tanzania and Ghana remain locked on a single point apiece.

Tanzania stunned the South Africans in the 24th minute when Opah Clement scored for the East African team. They managed to defend their lead for the rest of the first half, thanks to excellent goal-keeping by Najiat Idrisa, who made a double save in first-half stoppage time.

Banyana coach Desiree Ellis made key halftime changes, bringing on star forward, Hildah Magaia and Lebohang Ramalepe, and the substitutions paid off. In the 70th minute, South Africa finally scored, courtesy of Bambanani Mbane to level the score at 1-1.

‘They threw everything at us’

South Africa had ample opportunity to go into the lead, after Tanzanian midfielder Elizabeth Chenge was shown a second yellow card and subsequently a red in the 84th minute, leaving her side to finish the match with ten players. South Africa pushed relentlessly, but could not break through the Tanzanian defense.

At the post-match press conference, Ellis reiterated that her team will have to give it everything they’ve got to go forward.

“There are no easy games in this competition anymore. We knew Tanzania were going to play to stay in the competition, and they threw everything at us, so credit to them because there is still a lot to play for in this group," she said.

Banyana Banyana will next play Mali on Monday (14/7) at Honneur Stadium.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg