Banyana Banyana have arrived in Osaka and are set for two friendly matches against Japan on 6 and 9 June as preparations for WAFCON continue.
Osaka, Japan (04 June 2026) – Banyana Banyana have arrived in Japan, where they will face the host nation in two international friendly matches as part of their ongoing build-up to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The team is now focused on final preparations ahead of the first match on Saturday, 6 June at the Nagai Ballgame Field, with the second encounter scheduled for Tuesday, 9 June at J-Green Sakai.
The fixtures form an important part of Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON 2026 preparation programme, with the tournament set to take place in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August. The continental showpiece also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sasol Banyana Banyana have touched down in Osaka, Japan ahead of their two friendly international matches against the host nation on Friday and Tuesday next week.#BanyanaBanyana#LiveTheImpossible#adidas@SasolinSport @adidas @StandardBankZA @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/ZANefqjljJ
— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) June 2, 2026
While the focus is now firmly on Japan, the squad already has continuity in its build-up, having recently completed back-to-back friendly matches against Algeria in Durban, both of which they won.
The group arriving in Japan includes the full 23-player squad announced by head coach Dr Desiree Ellis, with the addition of overseas-based players linking up with the team during transit through Dubai en route to Osaka.
Dr Ellis’ charges will be looking to make the most of the high-level opposition, as Japan provides a stern test against one of the world’s technically strong sides, offering valuable insight ahead of continental competition.
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