U20 Women's World Cup: Tanzania suffers defeat against Brazil, Romaine Gandonou saves Benin once again

Tanzania's opening match at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026 was a disappointing start. The Twiga Stars suffered a heavy defeat against Brazil (4-1). Despite a strong first half, the East African side had played well.

After the Canarinhas opened the scoring with a magnificent right-footed curling shot from Thaynara, the young Tanzanians managed to equalize thanks to a penalty from Winfrida Gerald. Unfortunately, they collapsed in the second half, conceding three more goals.

Gandonou's lightning has struck again

Benin, the second African team to enter the competition this Saturday, September 5th, put in a decent performance against an experienced Mexican side. Things had started poorly for the Amazons, who conceded two goals in the 21st and 51st minutes.

Benin's prolific goalscorer, Romaine Gandonou, sparked a comeback by winning a penalty shortly before the hour mark. She then took the penalty herself.

Three minutes from the end of regulation time, the Tambours FC striker snatched an equalizer for Benin. Played through by Germaine Honfo, she rounded the Mexican goalkeeper and unleashed a powerful shot that the three defenders, rushing to clear the ball off the line, were unable to stop. With this brace, the 15-year-old Beninese player saved her country from an opening defeat.

Encouraging!

For their next match, the Amazons will face Argentina. It certainly won't be easy, especially since the young Argentinians lost to Poland today. They will approach this second match with the intention of winning. The Beninese will need to show their character once again to secure their place in the next round. In any case, this first point earned against Mexico shows that they are not in Poland for a walk in the park. This is encouraging for a team playing in its very first U20 World Cup.