On Monday, Banyana Banyana’s campaign got off to the worst possible start after suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Twiga Stars from Tanzania in Casablanca.

South Africa created enough opportunities to take something from the game but were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, while Tanzania made the most of their chances to claim all three points.

Lebohang Ramalepe - Banyana Banyana

The East Africans opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Diana Msewa, but defender Bambanane Mbane restored parity in on the stroke of half-time to send the teams into the break deadlocked at 1-1.

Looking for a breakthrough after the interval, coach Desiree Ellis freshened up her side by introducing Nthabiseng Majiya, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, Amogelang Motau, Ronnel Donnelly and Isabella Ludwig. Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Linda Motlhalo, Hildah Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana and Noxolo Cesane were withdrawn.

Despite South Africa's attacking intent, Tanzania struck the decisive blow with three minutes remaining before stoppage when Hasnath Ubamba found the back of the net. Banyana pressed until the final whistle but were unable to find another equaliser.

Ellis admitted her team's finishing let them down and felt the goals they conceded were avoidable.

“Goals win games - we knew what Tanzania was going to do, but the two goals we conceded were poor,” said Ellis.

“They had two chances and they scored them and won the game. I said before the match that it was going to be a very difficult match, but we also made life difficult for ourselves.”

The former African champions now face a daunting assignment against Ivory Coast, who opened their campaign with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso.

Robyn Moodaly-Salgado - Banyana Banyana

Ellis acknowledged that Friday's clash has effectively become a knockout fixture for her side.

“I felt that all three games were going to be difficult, but a good start would have given us the momentum,” said the former national captain.

“Now the next match becomes a final before the final. It's a must-win, and also the game after that. We still have it in us. It wasn't a good day at the office, but we can be better than that.

“We cannot drop any more points and with only two teams progressing to the next round, we have to put our best foot forward. We knew we had it in us to get positive results, and for that we are disappointed.”

Karabo Dhlamini - Banyana Banyana

Although the defeat left a bitter taste, the evening marked a personal milestone for midfielder Linda Motlhalo, who earned her 100th cap for South Africa. She becomes just the 13th player to reach the landmark, joining the likes of captain Refiloe Jane, Mbane and Lebo Ramalepe, who all started against Tanzania.

Friday night’s game between South Africa and Ivory Coast at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca kicks off at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport