History made at WAFCON 2026 as married couple share the pitch for South Africa

In a moment that will be etched into the annals of African women’s football, South Africa’s Robyn and Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado became the first married couple ever to feature together in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) match, during the Banyana Banyana’s group-stage clash against Tanzania on Monday.

The historic appearance came midway through the second half at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, when Robyn Moodaly—a seasoned midfielder known for her vision and passing range—was brought on as a substitute. Just minutes later, her wife, Gabriela Salgado, a dynamic forward with a knack for breaking defensive lines, entered the fray. For the remaining quarter-hour, the pair shared the pitch, exchanging passes and tracking opponents in what observers described as a seamless display of intuitive partnership.

A Landmark for African Football

The milestone marks the first time a married couple has played together in a WAFCON fixture—and, according to CAF records, only the second instance in global senior women’s continental tournaments, following a similar feat in the European Championship several years ago. The moment was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, with fans holding up banners celebrating the couple’s achievement.

“To share this pitch with my wife, in a tournament as prestigious as WAFCON, is beyond anything I could have imagined,” Robyn Moodaly told reporters after the match. “We’ve played together at club level, but this is different—this is our country, our continent, and a stage we’ve worked our whole lives for.”

Gabriela added: “We didn’t plan it. The coach made the calls, and when I looked up and saw Robyn standing there, I just smiled. Football has given us so much, but this moment—right here—is ours forever.”

The Couple’s Journey

Both players have carved distinguished careers in the South African women’s game. Robyn Moodaly, a veteran of the Banyana squad, was part of the historic 2022 WAFCON-winning team that broke a 70-year drought for the nation. Gabriela Salgado, a late bloomer to the international scene, earned her first senior call-up in 2024 after a stellar season with her club in the SAFA Women’s League. The couple married in a private ceremony earlier this year, making their joint appearance at WAFCON 2026 a personal highlight amid the professional triumph.

A Performance to Remember

South Africa, the defending champions, entered the match as clear favourites against Tanzania, who were making only their second WAFCON appearance. While the final score remained tightly contested—with Banyana eventually securing a narrow 2-1 victory—the narrative of the evening belonged not to the goals, but to the couple who wrote their names into the history books.

Coach Desiree Ellis, who has long championed inclusivity and team unity, praised the duo’s professionalism. “They are footballers first, and they showed that today. Their understanding of each other’s movements is instinctual, and it added a different energy to the game. I am proud of them, and proud of what this represents for women’s football in Africa.”

Broader Significance

The occasion also underscores the growing acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in African sport—a continent where such discussions have historically been sensitive. CAF has made concerted efforts to promote equality and diversity in recent years, and Monday’s milestone is being hailed as a powerful symbol of progress.

Social media erupted with congratulatory messages, with the hashtag #MoodalySalgadoHistory trending across the continent. The South African Football Association (SAFA) released a statement calling the event “a moment of joy and inspiration for every young girl who dreams of playing football—and for every person who believes love and sport can coexist beautifully.”

What’s Next

The Moodaly-Salgado pair now turn their focus to South Africa’s remaining group fixtures, with a quarter-final berth already within reach. For now, though, they are savoring a moment that transcends the scoreline—a marriage of two lives, two careers, and a shared passion that has just made African football history.

---