Ivory Coast Dominates Tanzania to Secure Top Spot in Group B
Making a triumphant return to the continental scene after a twelve-year hiatus, the Ivory Coast women's national football team, affectionately known as the "Éléphantes," has showcased its remarkable prowess at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco. On Tuesday evening, they clinched a decisive 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, ultimately finishing first in Group B and securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The performance of the Ivory Coast team under the guidance of head coach Reynald Pedros has been nothing short of impressive. With a solid foundation, tactical realism, and an ability to control the game effectively, the Éléphantes outshone their opponents, concluding the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw, accumulating a total of seven points across three matches. Their earlier matches had already set the stage, and they maintained their momentum against Tanzania, with Nsira Ouedraogo scoring just before halftime (44th minute) and Inès Konan converting a penalty in the 68th minute. Although Tanzania's Diana Msewa managed to score a late penalty in the dying moments of the match (90+9), it was too late to alter the outcome or change the fate of the Tanzanian team.
Ivory Coast's Tactical Excellence Shines Through
This victory not only solidified their standing but also marked a commendable conclusion to the group stage for the Ivorian team, who remained unbeaten. In the other match of the group, South Africa edged past Burkina Faso with a 1-0 victory, securing the second qualifying spot. Consequently, both Tanzania and Burkina Faso exited the tournament with just three points each.
Entering the final matchday, Tanzania was under immense pressure to secure a win to keep their hopes alive, especially in the absence of their suspended player Hasnath Ubamba. The first half was tightly contested, but as the match progressed, the Ivory Coast side began to showcase their effectiveness. Just a minute before the break, Inès Konan, who had been a standout performer throughout the tournament, delivered a perfect assist to Nsira Ouedraogo, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Following halftime, although Tanzania attempted to mount a comeback by introducing fresh legs, the Ivory Coast team maintained their composure and tactical discipline. Inès Konan sealed the victory by deftly converting a penalty in the 68th minute, marking her second goal of the group stage and further establishing her as a critical offensive weapon for her team. Having already secured an impressive 4-1 victory against Burkina Faso and a thrilling 2-2 draw with South Africa, the Éléphantes have demonstrated their competitive edge and formidable form throughout the tournament.
Despite their elimination, the Tanzanian team persevered till the end and were rewarded with a goal from Diana Msewa, who converted a penalty in the dying seconds of the match. Although this was a moment of celebration, it was too late for the Twiga Stars to salvage a draw. As they exit the competition, they can take pride in their achievements, including their historic first victory against South Africa and scoring in all three of their matches. However, they fell short of making history by becoming only the second East African team to reach the quarter-finals.
After a twelve-year absence from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast team has made a compelling return. With two victories, one draw, a total of eight goals scored, and seven points earned, they head into the quarter-finals exuding confidence. With an inspired attack, tactical discipline, and an increasingly solid team dynamic, the Éléphantes are emerging as one of the notable revelations of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco. They are set to face Algeria on August 8th in Casablanca.
As reported by cafonline.com.
