JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s reigning queens of African football, Banyana Banyana, have once again stamped their dominance on the continent by qualifying for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The 2022 African champions booked their spot after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the second leg of their qualifier at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.
The crucial moment came deep into stoppage time when Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa’s star forward and one of the continent’s most lethal attackers, struck in the 91st minute to secure a 2-1 aggregate win for Banyana Banyana. The late goal sent the home crowd into wild celebrations as South Africa booked their ticket to defend their continental crown in Morocco 2026.
The match had been tense throughout, with Banyana dominating possession but struggling to convert their chances in the first half. Despite several near-misses, the breakthrough did not come until Kgatlana, known for her pace and precision, produced a trademark finish that sealed the victory and qualification.
Qualification Holds Added Significance for Banyana Banyana
The latest qualification is not just another milestone for Banyana Banyana — it carries added importance. The 2026 WAFCON will serve as a crucial stepping stone to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Brazil. The top four teams from the WAFCON will automatically qualify for the global showpiece, making this tournament a key part of South Africa’s long-term ambitions on the world stage.
For Banyana Banyana, participation in Morocco offers a vital opportunity to continue building on their impressive international record. After making history by reaching the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the team has established itself as one of Africa’s most consistent and competitive sides.
While the final scoreline suggests a narrow victory, Banyana Banyana’s overall performance demonstrated their control and composure under pressure. Acting coach Thinasonke Mbuli, who led the team in the absence of head coach Desiree Ellis, praised the players for their determination and defensive solidity.
“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win, and yes, we were frustrated towards the end because it was 0-0 and they were coming at us,” Mbuli said after the match. “I give credit to the defenders for absorbing the pressure. They stayed focused, and Thembi [Kgatlana] delivered when it mattered most.”
Despite DRC’s efforts to stay in the contest, South Africa’s backline — led by Bambanani Mbane and Karabo Dhlamini — held firm. Midfielders Linda Motlhalo and Hildah Magaia also played key roles in dictating the tempo and creating opportunities that eventually wore down the Congolese defense.
One of the remarkable aspects of Banyana Banyana’s qualification is that it was achieved without head coach Desiree Ellis, who has yet to finalize a new contract with the South African Football Association (SAFA). Ellis, who guided the team to continental glory in 2022 and led them to their best-ever World Cup finish in 2023, remains in discussions over her future.
In the meantime, Mbuli has stepped up impressively, guiding the team through a challenging qualification campaign. Her calm leadership and tactical awareness have ensured that Banyana maintain their winning mentality despite off-field distractions.
SAFA officials are hopeful that the coaching situation will be resolved soon, as Banyana Banyana are expected to have one more international window in November 2025 before WAFCON officially kicks off in March 2026.
Few players embody the spirit of Banyana Banyana quite like Thembi Kgatlana. The 28-year-old forward, who plays for Racing Louisville in the United States, has consistently delivered for her country in crucial moments. Her decisive strike against the DRC is yet another example of her knack for rising to the occasion.
Kgatlana’s journey — marked by injuries, comebacks, and world-class performances — continues to inspire the next generation of South African female footballers. Her leadership and experience will be vital as Banyana prepare for another tough continental campaign.
With qualification secured, Banyana Banyana now turn their attention to fine-tuning their squad and tactics ahead of WAFCON 2026. The defending champions will aim to retain their title and cement their reputation as Africa’s leading women’s football nation.
The upcoming tournament in Morocco promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet, with Nigeria, Zambia, and Morocco all expected to field strong teams. However, Banyana Banyana have proven time and again that they thrive under pressure and have the quality to compete with the best.
As acting coach Mbuli summed up: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there’s more work to do. The focus now is on preparing for Morocco — we want to defend our title and qualify for another World Cup.”
Source- EWN
