Thembi Kgatlana’s Last Minute Goal Fires Banyana Banyana To WAFCON 2026

The roar at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night could probably be heard all the way across Soweto. In the 88th minute, Thembi Kgatlana reminded South Africa why she’s one of the country’s most loved footballers scoring a late winner to send Banyana Banyana to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Soweto Under The Lights

It was a tense night in Dobsonville, where fans packed the stands with flags, vuvuzelas, and that signature township energy that only Joburg football crowds can bring. After a 1-1 draw in Kinshasa last week, the defending WAFCON champions needed a win to secure qualification and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Coach Thinasonke Mbuli brought back star forward Kgatlana and striker Hilda Magaia, and the pair wasted no time putting DR Congo under pressure. But despite waves of attack, the Congolese goalkeeper stood firm, frustrating Banyana’s efforts in front of goal.

Thembi Brings The Magic

Just when it seemed like the match might end goalless, Thembi did what Thembi does best. She chased down a loose ball, powered past two defenders, and coolly slotted it into the net. The stadium exploded. Fans jumped, players cried, and social media lit up with praise for the 28-year-old forward dubbed “Mzansi’s Messi” by some supporters online.

“She’s simply world-class,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “No one carries the Banyana spirit like her.”

Banyana Back Among Africa’s Best

The 1-0 victory secured a 2-1 aggregate win for South Africa, confirming their spot at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco. They’ll join a powerful lineup featuring Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and the hosts.

For coach Mbuli, the win is a statement proof that Banyana’s golden generation still has plenty left in the tank. After a year marked by injuries and lineup changes, the team showed grit, focus, and heart when it mattered most.

Eyes On Morocco 2026

With qualification sealed, Banyana will now set their sights on defending their continental title when WAFCON kicks off in March 2026.

And if Thembi Kgatlana’s late strike was any indication, South Africa’s queens of football are ready to make the continent dance to their rhythm once again.

{Source: SABC Sport}

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