Banyana Banyana secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Casablanca on 4 August. The match, played at Moulay Rachid Stadium, marked the culmination of Group B for South Africa, though their fate was not entirely within their control. To advance, Banyana needed Ivory Coast to defeat Tanzania in a concurrent match also held in Casablanca. The Ivorian team delivered, triumphing 2-1 to ensure South Africa’s progression. With the win, Banyana will face host nation Morocco in the quarterfinals on 8 August in Rabat, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2022 final, where South Africa claimed their maiden continental title. The outcome of the match was crucial for Banyana, who had struggled earlier in the tournament. Their opening match against Tanzania ended in a loss, followed by a draw with Ivory Coast. A win over Burkina Faso was essential, not only for securing a spot in the knockout stages but also for maintaining their position in the group. Coach Desiree Ellis opted for experience, fielding key players such as Kaylin Swart, Bambanani Mbane, Refiloe Jane, and Thembi Kgatlana. Despite a strong start from Burkina Faso, South Africa eventually took the lead in the 22nd minute when Kgatlana calmly converted a well-worked move from Fikile Magama. Ellis acknowledged that her team’s approach after scoring early was problematic. “We scored early; we stopped playing,” she said. “Then we got another chance; we stopped playing.” She praised the defensive organization but admitted that the team’s lack of urgency in transitions nearly cost them the match. Nevertheless, Banyana’s resilience shone through, particularly in the latter stages of the game, as they protected their lead and ensured their advancement. Morocco, the hosts of the quarterfinal, have emerged as a formidable force in recent years. Playing in their fifth Wafcon, the Atlas Lionesses reached the semifinals in both 2022 and 2024. Known for their disciplined defense and aggressive pressing, they remain undefeated in the current tournament, having recorded two victories and one draw. Their absence of conceded goals has been a hallmark of their campaign, making them a challenging opponent for Banyana. South Africa, meanwhile, will look to leverage their speed and attacking flair. The team has demonstrated the capacity to perform under pressure, particularly given the stakes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Four quarterfinal winners will automatically earn a spot in the global competition, adding extra motivation for Banyana. The upcoming match against Morocco carries historical significance, as it echoes the 2022 final in which South Africa claimed their first Wafcon title. Thembi Kgatlana, who scored the decisive goal against Burkina Faso, emphasized the importance of mental preparation ahead of the quarterfinal. “Right now the most important thing is to recover and make sure we arrive at the quarter-final fresh,” she said. Her experience from past Wafcon campaigns, including the 2022 final, is expected to benefit the team. Midfielder Isabella Ludwig echoed this sentiment, viewing the team’s inconsistent start, comprising a loss, a draw, and a win, as a sign of progress rather than setback. “It hasn’t been an easy road, but we are getting on the right trajectory,” she noted. With three matches remaining in the tournament, Banyana aims to build on their momentum. The team’s focus is now firmly on the quarterfinal, where success will determine whether they can secure a second continental title in three consecutive editions. As the squad prepares for the challenge ahead, they carry the hopes of millions of fans across the continent, determined to repeat history.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
ZA
