Banyana book Morocco quarterfinal clash

South Africa’s title defence remains firmly on course after Banyana Banyana ground out a disciplined 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The narrow win in Casablanca was enough to send the reigning African champions into the knockout rounds after a tense Group B campaign.

Match coverage by SuperSport noted that Thembi Kgatlana’s composed finish in the 21st minute, following a well-crafted move initiated by Fikile Magama, proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Although Burkina Faso looked dangerous during the opening exchanges and threatened to strike first, Banyana settled into the contest with growing confidence.

Isabella Ludwig went close moments before the breakthrough, heading narrowly wide, before Kgatlana capitalised on Magama’s delivery to hand South Africa a lead they would never surrender.

The victory has now set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday. The South African Football Association confirmed the fixture after the final whistle, with the clash carrying even greater significance as the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Congratulating the squad, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said: “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 second half demanded patience and composure from South Africa as Burkina Faso committed more players forward in search of an equaliser.

However, Banyana’s organised defensive display absorbed the pressure and restricted their opponents to limited clear-cut opportunities, allowing Desiree Ellis’ side to see out the result.

Elsewhere in Group B, Ivory Coast secured top spot with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania to finish unbeaten on seven points. South Africa advanced as runners-up, while both Tanzania and Burkina Faso bowed out despite ending the group stage with three points.

With the knockout rounds now looming, attention quickly shifted online as South African football supporters celebrated another determined display from the defending champions.

Much of the conversation centred on Kgatlana’s decisive contribution, the team’s defensive resilience and the challenge awaiting against a Morocco side expected to enjoy strong home support.

Saturday’s encounter promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament. Victory would not only move Banyana within touching distance of retaining their continental crown but would also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, raising the stakes even further for South Africa’s senior women’s national team.

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Source: SuperSport