Defending champions Banyana Banyana secured a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso to reach the WAFCON quarterfinals.
By Zuko Komisa

South Africa’s senior women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, secured their spot in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso in Casablanca on Tuesday evening.
Thembi Kgatlana provided the match-winning moment in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after receiving a well-crafted delivery from Fikile Magama.
Despite an early scare when Burkina Faso’s Alimata Belem failed to capitalise on a clear goal-scoring opportunity, South Africa quickly found their composure.
Banyana Banyana managed the remainder of the contest through disciplined defense, limiting Burkina Faso’s chances in the second half to top Group B.
With the 2026 WAFCON serving as a direct qualifier for the top four African sides, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan lauded the team’s progress:
“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 victory sets up a high-stakes quarterfinal fixture against host nation Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, where a win will guarantee South Africa a place at the 2027 global tournament.
READ NEXT: Five gold sweeps lead team SA to 11th place in Glasgow 2026