South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, have officially qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. They secured their ticket with a tense 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second leg of their final qualifying round....Click to Read More >>➤

The decisive match unfolded at a packed Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night. The aggregate score over the two legs finished 2-1 in South Africa’s favor, following a 1-1 draw in the first encounter in Kinshasa.

Thembi Kgatlana’s Heroic Return

The match’s defining moment came deep into stoppage time from star striker Thembi Kgatlana. Making a impactful return to the squad after missing the previous continental tournament for personal reasons, the Mexico-based forward was the hero.

With the game looking destined for a goalless draw, Kgatlana pounced on a defensive error. She swiftly dispossessed a DRC defender and coolly finished past the goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and sealing Banyana Banyana’s place at the WAFCON.

The team’s official X account captured the elation, posting, “GOALLLLL!!!!!! Thembi Kgatlana makes it 1 – 0 for Sasol Banyana Banyana!!!”

A Hard-Fought Victory for the Defending Champions

Entering the second leg, the pressure was firmly on the defending champions. Coach Desiree Ellis’s side knew they needed a positive result to confirm their spot at the 2026 WAFCON. The encounter was a tightly contested affair, with clear-cut chances at a premium for much of the game.

Banyana Banyana maintained their composure throughout the tense clash. They controlled the pace and persisted until the very end, ultimately being rewarded for their resilience with Kgatlana’s late, decisive intervention.

Looking Ahead to Morocco 2026

This victory continues South Africa’s dominant streak in African women’s football. The team will now shift its focus to comprehensive preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco. As the reigning titleholders, Banyana Banyana will undoubtedly be among the top favorites to lift the trophy once again.

The qualification marks a crucial first step in their campaign to defend the crown they famously won in 2022. The entire nation will now eagerly anticipate their performance at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco. ...Click to Read More >>➤