Omanghana
Burkina Faso’s Lady Stallions recorded their first victory in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history after defeating 10-player Tanzania 2-1 in a dramatic Group B encounter.
The match, played on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, revived Burkina Faso’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals following a difficult start to the tournament.
Burkina Faso entered the contest seeking a response after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in its opening fixture. Tanzania, meanwhile, was hoping to build on its surprise 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa.
The Lady Stallions made the breakthrough in the 43rd minute through Adèle Naomi Kabré.
Rasmata Sawadogo delivered the decisive pass, allowing Kabré to lift a composed finish over the advancing Tanzanian goalkeeper and give Burkina Faso a 1-0 lead shortly before halftime.
Tanzania’s task became more difficult 10 minutes into the second half when Hasnath Ubamba received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Burkina Faso goalkeeper Nina Dabilgou.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Twiga Stars responded strongly and found an equaliser in the 62nd minute.
Dabilgou pushed a long-range free kick onto the post, but Aisha Mnunka reacted quickly to convert the rebound and level the score at 1-1.
The goal gave Tanzania renewed confidence, but Burkina Faso gradually took control by using its numerical advantage to apply sustained pressure.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when captain Balkissa Sawadogo met a cross inside the penalty area and guided a controlled side-footed finish into the net.
Burkina Faso protected the lead through the closing stages to secure all three points and register a landmark result in the country’s women’s football history.
Before the match, the Lady Stallions had recorded one draw and three defeats across their previous WAFCON appearances. The win over Tanzania therefore ended their long wait for a first victory at the continental tournament.
The result has left Group B wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Côte d’Ivoire leads the group with four points after following its 4-1 victory over Burkina Faso with a 2-2 draw against South Africa.
Tanzania and Burkina Faso each have three points, while defending champions South Africa remain bottom with one point. All four teams still have a mathematical chance of reaching the quarterfinals.
Burkina Faso will complete its group campaign against South Africa, while Tanzania faces Côte d’Ivoire.
The Lady Stallions will enter the final match with renewed confidence, while Tanzania must recover quickly after missing an opportunity to strengthen its position in the race for a knockout-stage place.
For Burkina Faso, the victory represents more than three points. It marks a major milestone for the national women’s team and provides another indication of the increasing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.
Source: Omanghana
