Kgatlana fires Banyana into WAFCON quarterfinals
Thembi Kgatlana scored the winning goal as Banyana Banyana secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Casablanca.
Kgatlana found the back of the net in the 21st minute, and her goal proved enough to earn South Africa a crucial three points. The result means Banyana will now face tournament hosts Morocco in the quarterfinals.
South Africa needed a victory after a difficult start to the tournament, having lost their opening match to Ivory Coast before drawing with Tanzania. Banyana also required Ivory Coast to beat Tanzania in the other Group B fixture, and that result went in their favour as the Ivorians won 2-1 to finish top of the group on seven points. South Africa advanced with four points.
Burkina Faso thought they had a chance to equalise early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but the referee overturned the decision after a VAR review. Banyana controlled most of the match and created several chances to extend their lead but failed to convert them.
Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart was solid in the closing stages, producing important saves to deny Burkina Faso and preserve South Africa’s narrow advantage.
In the other Group B match, Ivory Coast defeated Tanzania 2-1 to finish top of the standings. They will face Algeria in the quarterfinals, while Banyana prepare for a blockbuster clash against Morocco for a place in the semifinals.