Tanzanian women produced a spirited second-half response but ultimately suffered a 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast women in Round 3 of the Africa Cup of Nations Women.
N. Ouedraogo opened the scoring shortly before half-time, while I. Konan doubled Ivory Coast’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 68th minute. Tanzania refused to surrender, however, and D. Msewa converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to give the East African side a deserved consolation goal.
Match at a Glance
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations Women – Round 3
- Result: Tanzania Women 1-2 Ivory Coast Women
- Half-time score: Tanzania Women 0-1 Ivory Coast Women
- Tanzania scorer: D. Msewa, 90+9’ (penalty)
- Ivory Coast scorers: N. Ouedraogo, 44’; I. Konan, 68’ (penalty)
Ouedraogo Breaks Tanzania’s Resistance
The opening half was competitive, with Tanzania working hard to prevent Ivory Coast from establishing a commanding position.
Tanzania’s plans were disrupted early when an injury prompted a substitution involving E. Mabanza Gindulya and O. Clement Tukumbuke in the 13th minute. Despite that setback, the Tanzanian side remained in contention for most of the first half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 44th minute. Konan created the opportunity, and Ouedraogo finished to give Ivory Coast a crucial 1-0 advantage just before the interval.
The timing of the goal was particularly damaging for Tanzania. Having defended for almost the entire half, they were forced to enter the dressing room behind on the scoreboard.
Tanzania Make Changes in Search of an Equalizer
Tanzania responded by making an attacking change in the 56th minute, with D. Mnaly and D. Minja coming on.
Ivory Coast also refreshed their side in the 66th minute. E. Dagba and A. Abrogoua were introduced in changes involving G. Sery and R. Elloh.
Those adjustments helped Ivory Coast maintain their momentum, and the decisive second goal arrived only two minutes later.
Konan Doubles Ivory Coast’s Lead
Ivory Coast were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute, handing Konan the opportunity to add a goal to her earlier assist.
She made no mistake from the spot, converting to put her team 2-0 ahead. Konan’s contribution proved central to the result: she set up the opening goal before scoring what became the match-winner.
With a two-goal cushion secured, Ivory Coast made further changes in the 80th minute. S. Kokora replaced B. Amani, while P. Kreto came on for Konan.
Msewa Rewards Tanzania’s Persistence
Tanzania continued pushing for a route back into the contest. Further changes followed in the 85th minute, with A. Salum and B. Steven introduced in substitutions involving J. Singano and E. Mabanza Gindulya.
Their persistence was eventually rewarded when Tanzania received a penalty deep into added time. Msewa converted in the 99th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
The goal came too late to change the outcome, but it ensured Tanzania finished the match on a positive note and demonstrated their willingness to compete until the final whistle.
What the Result Means for Tanzania
The defeat will be disappointing for Tanzanian players and supporters, particularly because the team remained within touching distance of Ivory Coast for long periods.
Small but decisive moments separated the two sides. Conceding immediately before half-time changed the complexion of the match, while Konan’s penalty gave Ivory Coast the breathing room they needed.
Still, Tanzania can take encouragement from their late response. The team did not collapse after falling two goals behind and continued searching for opportunities until Msewa’s stoppage-time penalty.
Improved concentration around the end of each half, greater attacking sharpness and more efficient use of possession will be important as Tanzania look to respond in their next fixture.
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Final Verdict
Ivory Coast earned the victory through greater efficiency in the game’s defining moments. Ouedraogo’s well-timed opener and Konan’s composed penalty gave them control, while Tanzania’s late goal could only reduce the final margin.
For Tanzania, the 2-1 scoreline reflects both the frustration of missed opportunities and the promise of a team that continued fighting to the end. Msewa’s late penalty offered a positive conclusion, but Ivory Coast’s clinical finishing ultimately settled the contest.
