Casablanca – Banyana Banyana striker Thembi Kgatlana scored the only goal of the match against Burkina Faso in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night, to keep the South Africans in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament.
The South African found the back of the net in the 21st minute to rekindle hopes of making it to the next round in second place in Group B.
The goal moved South Africa from fourth place to second place, and after finding the opener, Banyana showed defensive resilience.
The second half was all about managing the game and keeping a clean sheet for Banyana for 90 minutes.
However, there were nervy moments in the seven minutes of added time.
In the end, Kgatlana’s goal was enough to see the team qualify for the WAFCON knockout stage.
In the other Group B match, Ivory Coast beat Tanzania 2-1 to end in top spot.
Tanzania and Burkina Faso are going home.
Meanwhile, the SA government has congratulated Banyana Banyana “on their outstanding victory over Burkina Faso”.
“The team represented South Africa with dignity and pride,” said a late-night statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
“Throughout the tournament, the team displayed discipline and fighting spirit that have become synonymous with South African sport.”
The GCIS added: ”Government thanks the players, technical team, support staff and all South Africans who rallied behind Banyana Banyana throughout the tournament.
“Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON 2026 advancement to the next stage has added another proud chapter to South Africa’s sporting history.”
