Banyana Banyana’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rest squarely on the outcome of their final Group B clash against Burkina Faso at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night. Kick-off is at 7pm (South African time).
The South Africans head into the decisive encounter rooted at the bottom of Group B with just one point from two matches. Their title defence got off to a disastrous start with a shock 2-1 defeat to Tanzania before they showed tremendous fighting spirit to recover from a two-goal deficit and earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire.
That comeback has kept Banyana’s hopes alive, but only just. A victory over Burkina Faso is essential if Desiree Ellis’ side are to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Their fate, however, could also depend on the outcome of the other Group B fixture involving Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire.
The tournament carries even greater significance, with the four semi-finalists automatically securing Africa’s qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. For Banyana, it is an opportunity not only to redeem the title dream which they won in 2022 but also to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Despite their spirited fightback against Côte d’Ivoire, Banyana have exposed several weaknesses during the tournament. Defensive lapses, particularly in the opening halves of matches, have seen them concede early goals and chase games.
Their inability to convert scoring chances has also proved costly, while slow starts have placed unnecessary pressure on the team.
Ellis has repeatedly urged her players to remain focused and avoid repeating the mistakes that have hampered their campaign. Ahead of the tournament, she stressed that there was “no margin for error” in the expanded competition, where only the top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals. She also reminded her players that every match was crucial in the quest to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Following the draw against Côte d’Ivoire, Ellis remained optimistic despite her side’s difficult position.
“I think everybody is disappointed with the result and the performance, but we have to look towards the next game because we are still in it,” Ellis said after the opening defeat to Tanzania, insisting the team still had everything to play for.
Experienced midfielder Refiloe Jane has also called on the squad to stay calm under pressure and believe in their ability, while senior players have urged the team to show the character that made South Africa continental champions in 2022.
Their experience will be vital in guiding the younger players through one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Burkina Faso, however, are expected to provide a stern challenge. The West Africans have shown organisation, physical strength and determination throughout the competition and know that a positive result could also secure their place in the last eight.
Banyana will draw confidence from their remarkable comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, but they will have to produce their most complete performance of the tournament. Defensive discipline, improved finishing and composure in midfield will be critical if they are to keep their continental title defence alive.
Having lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2022 after defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final, South Africa know what it takes to succeed on the biggest stage in African women’s football. Now, with their backs firmly against the wall, Ellis and her players have one final opportunity to prove they still belong among the continent’s elite.