Banyana Progresses to WAFCON Quarter-finals

Banyana Banyana progressed to the knockout phase of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco following Thembi Kgatlana’s sole goal against Burkina Faso. Banyana entered the Group B decider at the Moulay Rachid Stadium on August 2, 2026, at the bottom of the pool with just a point, needing a victory and a favourable result from the simultaneous match between Ivory Coast and Tanzania.

Banyana finished second in the group with four points, trailing the Ivoirians, who defeated the Twiga Stars 2-0, thereby setting up a quarter-final clash against the host nation on August 6 in Rabat. Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes from the side that started the 2-2 draw against Ivory Coast, bringing in Isabella Ludwig and Hildah Magaia to replace Nthabiseng Majiya and Bongeka Gamede.

Banyana showed their intent from the outset, dominating possession early in the game. A noteworthy chance came in the ninth minute when Ludwig set up Magaia, whose shot unfortunately sailed over the bar. A dangerous moment for Banyana occurred in the 12th minute as Alimata Belem sliced through the defense, prompting goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to intervene effectively.

Just three minutes later, Banyana earned a set-piece, with Refiloe Jane's delivery forcing the goalkeeper to punch the ball away. Banyana continued to press, and in the 21st minute, Fikile Magama assisted Kgatlana, who skillfully slotted home the opener for her second goal of the tournament. Kgatlana nearly added a second before halftime with a chance from a free-kick but missed the target.

At the start of the second half, Lebohang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau replaced Cesane and Motlhalo. Two minutes into the half, Antonia Maponya appeared to foul Adele Kabre in the box, but VAR overturned the penalty decision. Banyana missed a critical chance in the 54th minute when Kgatlana set up Ludwig, who failed to score in a one-on-one with the keeper. Motau also missed a chance in the 65th minute, shooting over the bar.

In the final moments, Burkina Faso earned a set-piece, but Belem's shot was saved by Swart. The Banyana Banyana lineup included Swart, Maponya, Mbane, Dhlamini, Magama, Jane, Cesane, Motlhalo, Ludwig, Magaia, and Kgatlana.