Couple Makes History as First Married Players in WAFCON 2026

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

South Africa’s first match against Tanzania on Monday at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was historic. Married couple Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado played together for Banyana Banyana. They became the first spouses to play in the same WAFCON match.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

This milestone happened during South Africa’s Group B opener against Tanzania on Monday, July 27. It marked the first time in the tournament's history that a married couple has played in the same match.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s top women’s football tournament. The Confederation of African Football first held it in 1991.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

Since the tournament started, it has grown into the biggest women’s football championship on the continent. The 2026 edition has brought another special moment with Moodaly and Salgado’s participation.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

Leagues Reporter, a football platform, shared their picture together. Moodaly and Salgado are both regular members of the South African women’s national team. They have become well-known footballers in the country and have openly shared their relationship with fans.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

Their playing together shows how women's football is becoming more inclusive. This adds another memorable chapter to South Africa’s rich history in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The couple has played for Banyana Banyana at major international competitions. They continue to be important players for the reigning African champions as they aim for another successful WAFCON.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

This historic achievement has caught the attention of many football fans. Many are celebrating the couple’s success as a landmark moment for African women’s football.

Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado. Credit: Gabriela Salgado/Instagram

Things to know about Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado

1. They are the first married couple to play in the same match in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history.
2. They achieved this during South Africa’s opening Group B match against Tanzania on Monday, July 27, 2026.
3. Both are part of South Africa’s senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana.
4. Robyn Moodaly is an attacking midfielder known for her creativity and skills.
5. Gabriela Salgado is a forward who has played for South Africa in major international tournaments.
6. Salgado was born in Johannesburg, Gauteng, to a Portuguese father and a Lebanese mother.
7. She was first called up to the national team on 22 January 2017, though she was an unused substitute against France.
8. Salgado was named to the senior women’s team at the 2020 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
9. She scored the winning goal in the 66th minute of the final, leading to their seventh COSAFA title.
10. On 22 July 2025, she broke a bone in her left leg during a semi-final match against Nigeria, which kept her out for the rest of the year.
11. The couple is married and has shared details of their relationship on social media.
12. They have both been part of South Africa’s recent generation of players competing at the highest level in women’s football.
13. Robyn Moodaly plays for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, while Gabriela Salgado plays for Tigres UANL Femenil in Mexico.
14. Their joint appearance at WAFCON marks a unique milestone in African football history and highlights the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in women’s football.