Banyana Banyana are through to the quarterfinals in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Morocco on Tuesday, 04 August.
The team secured their spot after Thembi Kgatlana scored the all-important sole and winning goal in the 21st minute, enough to get them through to the quarterfinals in the second place in Group B.
Desiree Ellis’ side began the tournament with a shock 2-1 loss to Tanzania. The 2022 champions went 2-0 down against Ivory Coast but rallied back in the second half with goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia to snatch a 2-2 draw. Now, they have clinched their first win of the tournament and progressed in second place behind Les Éléphantes.
“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”, said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
The four semi-finalists at this year’s WAFCON will automatically advance to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. After internal playoffs, two losing quarter-finalists will play in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.
