Banyana Banyana Fight Back to Book WAFCON Quarterfinal Spot

Photo Credit: Banyana Banyana

Banyana Banyana climbed from the bottom of Group B to the quarterfinals after a vital win in Casablanca.

Casablanca, Morocco (05 August 2026) – After a difficult start to their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, Sasol Banyana Banyana have turned things around and secured their place in the quarterfinals.

South Africa defeated Burkina Faso 1–0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night, with Thembi Kgatlana scoring the decisive goal to keep the team’s WAFCON hopes alive.

Banyana Banyana entered the final round of Group B matches at the bottom of the standings with just one point and knew that victory was essential. They also needed a favourable result from the group’s other match between Ivory Coast and Tanzania.

The team delivered when it mattered most.

Fikile Magama created the opening for Kgatlana in the 21st minute, and the forward calmly found the back of the net to score her second goal of the tournament.

Ivory Coast’s victory over Tanzania later confirmed South Africa’s progress, with Banyana Banyana finishing second in Group B on four points.

The result sets up a quarterfinal showdown against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday.

Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes to the side that drew 2–2 with Ivory Coast, bringing Isabella Ludwig and Hildah Magaia into the starting line-up in place of Nthabiseng Majiya and Bongeka Gamede.

The victory marks an encouraging turnaround for the 2022 WAFCON champions, who have shown resilience after a challenging opening to the tournament.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team and highlighted what could be at stake in their next match.

“Well done Banyana Banyana. We are fully behind you and we are aware that one more victory will qualify us for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil in 2027.”

The 2026 WAFCON also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the tournament’s top four teams earning places in Brazil.

Banyana Banyana have already fought their way back into contention. Now, a win against Morocco could take them one step closer to a World Cup appearance.