Burkina Faso fell 4-1 to the Ivory Coast on Monday in their opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON 2026.

The Burkinabè couldn’t turn things around in the second half after the Ivory Coast had taken a 3-0 first-half lead.

Goalkeeper Faoziatou Ouédraogo was shown a straight red card in the 52nd minute for a foul outside her box—a crushing blow for the Stallions Ladies.

Moments later, Côte d’Ivoire hammered the point home. Safi Ouedraogo netted the Ivorians’ fourth goal in the 55th minute, putting the game beyond all doubt.

Tanzania stun South Africa

The Twiga Stars of Tanzania pulled off the round’s biggest upset by toppling the 2022 African champions, South Africa, with a 2-1 scoreline.

The Tanzanians struck first through Diana Masiu, who finished off a brilliant assist from Asha Rashid.

Banyana Banyana were quick to respond, with veteran Bambanani Mbane equalizing just before halftime in the 45+2 minute.

However, Tanzania were determined to steal the spotlight. Hashnat Obamda netted the decisive winner in the 87th minute, securing three precious points for her team.