Meet South Africa married couple who played in same WAFCON match

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South African football made history on Monday after Banyana Banyana stars Robyn Moodaly-Salgado and Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado became the first married couple to feature in the same Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) match.

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The historic moment came during South Africa’s Group B opener against Tanzania at the 2026 WAFCON in Casablanca. Although Banyana Banyana suffered a 2-1 defeat, the match will be remembered for a milestone that transcended the result.

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Robyn Moodaly-Salgado was named in the starting line-up by head coach Desiree Ellis, while her wife, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado, came off the bench in the 70th minute to join her on the field.

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Their appearance together marked a significant first, not only for the reigning African champions but also for the tournament itself, as no married couple had previously shared the pitch in a WAFCON match.

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The achievement is another reminder of how women’s football continues to break new ground, with the sport creating historic moments that extend beyond the action on the field.

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While South Africa opened their campaign with a disappointing loss to Tanzania, the Moodaly-Salgados etched their names into WAFCON history by becoming the first married couple to play together in the same match at Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.

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