The South African Under-17 Women’s National Team took absolute control of their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Second Round qualifying tie on Saturday afternoon, securing a clinical 2-0 victory over Tanzania at the New Aman Stadium in Zanzibar on Saturday, 25 May, 2026.
The youngest South African national football side executed their technical game plan to perfection, muting a vocal partisan crowd and establishing a significant advantage ahead of next weekend’s return fixture.
Having advanced to the second round without competitive action following the late withdrawal of the Central African Republic, there were pre-match questions regarding how quickly the squad would discover their match rhythm.
Head Coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo had emphasised prior to departure that securing maximum points away from home was non-negotiable, and her players responded with tactical maturity that belied their youth, neutralising a highly physical and direct Tanzanian side that had previously swept past Botswana in the opening round.
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The opening exchanges saw the hosts attempt to impose themselves physically, but DUT player Khwezi Khoza broke their confidence when she converted in the third minute, putting the visitors into an early lead.
As the first half progressed, the visitors began dominating transition play and finding space behind the Tanzanian wing-backs, and their efforts were rewarded when the UWC’s Aaliyah Jacobs doubled the advantage 20 minutes later.
Speaking to SABC Sport following the final whistle, team captain Katleho Malebana expressed pride: “Playing away from home is never easy, but I think the team showed great character and discipline throughout the match,” said Malebana.
“There were a lot of positives in the way we stayed organised and fought for the result. Of course, there are still areas we can improve on, but the final result keeps us motivated and focused going into the second leg.”
Bantwana Captain, Katleho Malebana
The battle now shifts to South African soil, with the second leg officially confirmed for the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane. Despite holding a comfortable two-goal cushion, Malebana warned against complacency, demanding total focus, intensity, and unity from the opening whistle to the last.
Khumalo’s charges are now just 90 minutes away from booking their spot in the third and final round of qualifiers scheduled for July, as they aim to end an eight-year absence from the global youth showpiece, and secure one of the coveted African tickets to the World Cup in Morocco.
Results and Fixtures of South Africa’s Second Round of the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier vs Tanzania
Saturday, 25 May: Tanzania 0-2 Bantwana (New Aman Stadium, Zanzibar)
16h00 Sunday, 31 May: Bantwana vs. Tanzania (Lucas Moripe Stadium, Tshwane)
Bantwana 23-Player Squad for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier vs. Tanzania
Goalkeepers
1. Dakalo Mafumo, SAFA Girls Academy
2. Skyla Coutinho, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC
3. Samkelisiwe Mthembu, JVW FC
Defenders
4. Ntokozo Paradzayi, Halelujah Zebrah Force FC
5. Mamonyana Mpondo, SAFA Girls Academy
6. Alwande Mbatha, SAFA Girls Academy
7. Whitney Havene, East High Academy Girls
8. Farah Thomas, Rygersdal FC
9. Andiswa Zuma, Dlala Ntombazane
10. Thorisho Mphelo, JVW FC
11. Esam Ngqumshe, Ayakha Stars FC
Midfielders
12. Katleho Malebana, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC
13. Mmasello Ledwaba, First Touch FC
14. Palesa Jacobs, Fast Eleven Ladies FC
15. Rethabile Molefe, AmaTuks FC
16. Okuhle Sithole, UWC FC
17. Katlego Mohale, Kaizer Chiefs Ladies FC
18. Khwezi Khoza, DUT
19. Pulane Moloi, SAFA Girls Academy
Forwards
20. Dazel Mkhari, SAFA Girls Academy
21. Othandwayo Zondani, Major Chiefs Sport Club
22. Aaliyah Jacobs, UWC
23. Lisakhanya Situlweni, Cape Town Roses FC
Head Coach: Ntombifuthi Khumalo
Main Photo Caption: The South African Under-17 Women’s National Team took absolute control of their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Second Round qualifying tie on Saturday afternoon, securing a clinical 2-0 victory over Tanzania at the New Aman Stadium in Zanzibar on Saturday, 25 May 2026. All Photos: SAFA
Photo 2 Caption: South Africa holds the advantage ahead of the return leg against Tanzania at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane on Sunday, 31 May.
