Veteran defender Bambanani Mbane rescued South Africa as the defending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in Group C.
After showing intent and creating more chances, it was hardly surprising when returning Twiga Stars captain Opah Clement opened the scoring in the 24th minute in Oujda.
The forward’s header from a free-kick beat Kaylin Swart, although the South Africa goalkeeper perhaps should have done better with her positioning.
A double substitution at half-time injected more energy into Banyana Banyana and the holders levelled in the 70th minute when Mbane found the net with a shot following a corner.
Tanzania had to close out the game with 10 players as Winfrida Gerald was shown a straight red card with six minutes remaining following a video assistant referee check for a poor clip from behind on the ankles of Linda Motlhalo.
South Africa moved back to the top of Group C, level on four points with Mali but ahead of the West Africans on goal difference. Those two sides meet in the final round of games on Monday (19:00 GMT) with a place in the quarter-finals virtually assured.
A first point for Tanzania keeps alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages, but the East Africans must beat Ghana, who drew 1-1 with Mali earlier on Friday, to have a chance of progressing.
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