The Dream Continues! South Africa Through to 2026 WAFCON Quarter-finals
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Banyana Banyana Edge Burkina Faso to Progress to WAFCON Last 8
The South African women’s national football team confirmed our 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations predictions by beating Burkina Faso 1-0 to progress to the quarter-final of the continental competition in Casablanca last night.
Banyana Banyana enjoyed the better of the early exchanges but were given an early scare when a heavy touch gifted Congo Adama possession, allowing her a clean run on goal, but Kaylin Swart reacted brilliantly to deny the forward giving the Lady Stallions the lead.
After surviving that early warning, South Africa settled into their rhythm and took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes when Fikile Magama picked out Thembi Kgatlana with an incisive through ball, which the forward made no mistake slotting beyond Dabilougou Nina.
The 2022 champions' slender advantage came under immediate pressure after the restart when a collision involving Antonia Maponya resulted in the referee pointing to the penalty spot, but Banyana were handed a reprieve thanks to a VAR review that overturned the decision.
Burkina Faso continued to press for a way back into the contest, forcing Banyana to remain disciplined at the back. South Africa nearly extended their lead late on through Ronnel Donnelly, but her effort was denied by an excellent block in the box.
Still, despite the late pressure, Desiree Ellis’ side held their nerve to maintain their lead and advance to the knockout phase alongside Ivory Coast from Group B.
WAFCON: Group B Final Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Burkina Faso | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 3 |
| 4 | Tanzania | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 3 |
