South Africa arrive at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with unfinished business. Two years after surrendering their continental crown in a dramatic semi-final defeat to Nigeria, Banyana Banyana are back in Morocco determined to prove that their disappointing title defence was an exception rather than the beginning of a decline.
With qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup also at stake, coach Desiree Ellis believes South Africa have both the experience and quality to challenge for a second WAFCON title.
“This is a very important tournament for us. The mission remains the same. We want to do well at the WAFCON and qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next year,” Ellis said.
South Africa’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy are built on lessons learned from 2024, the return of key players, an experienced core, the emergence of exciting young talent and a winning culture that Ellis has carefully cultivated since taking charge.
Coach Desiree Ellis has transformed Banyana Banyana into one of Africa’s leading women’s teams, guiding South Africa to their maiden WAFCON title and sustained success on the international stage.
Banyana Banyana’s reign as African champions ended painfully when they fell 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-finals of the previous edition, allowing the Super Falcons to avenge their group-stage defeat at the 2022 tournament.
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Ellis has challenged her players to use the setback as motivation.
Thembi Kgatlana’s return boosts title hopes
One of South Africa’s biggest setbacks in 2024 was the absence of star forward Thembi Kgatlana, who missed the tournament while recovering from a long-term injury.
Now fully fit, Kgatlana returns to provide the pace, creativity and goalscoring threat that helped inspire Banyana Banyana to their historic maiden continental title in 2022.
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Although veteran striker Jermaine Seoposenwe has retired from international football, South Africa’s attack continues to evolve.
Young forward Nthabiseng Majiya has emerged as one of the country’s brightest talents, while Hildah Magaia remains a proven performer on the continental stage. The return of Donnelly from injury has also strengthened Ellis’ attacking options.
Complementing the youthful energy is an experienced spine led by captain Refiloe Jane alongside Linda Motlhalo, Lebohang Ramalepe and Noxolo Cesane players who have featured prominently in South Africa’s rise as one of Africa’s leading women’s football nations.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s preparations have also been strengthened by players who have excelled in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane and Tiisetso Makhubela all arrive with valuable continental experience gained with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, providing a solid defensive platform for another title challenge.
Dlamini banking on confidence
At 33, Dlamini is looking to win another TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON titel, and also qualifying for another World Cup. Photocredit: CAFOnline.
Veteran goalkeeper Andile Dlamini believes confidence is one of Banyana Banyana’s greatest assets heading into the tournament.
The 33-year-old arrives in Morocco after keeping four consecutive clean sheets for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, form she hopes to carry into the continental showpiece.
Named Goalkeeper of the Tournament when South Africa won their first WAFCON title in 2022, Dlamini says both individual form and collective belief have placed the squad in a strong position.
“Success for us will be making all South Africans happy, making ourselves happy, making the technical team happy and achieving everything that we have written down. Success is making sure that we qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Dlamini added:
“Going into the tournament with four clean sheets means a lot. It has boosted my confidence. I did not do it alone. I did it with the team and my teammates.
“For me to keep clean sheets, it is not just making saves, but good communication. I am confident in myself and my teammates. We are positive going into this tournament, and there will be no room for negativity.”
Nigeria avenged their 2-1 defeat to Banyana Banyana during the group stage of the 2022 tournament and produced a spirited performance to progress. Photocredit: CAFOnline.
South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Banyana Banyana begin their campaign against Tanzania on 27 July, before facing Côte d’Ivoire on 31 July and concluding the group stage against Burkina Faso on 4 August. All three matches will be played at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.
South Africa has a balanced blend of experience and youth, key players returning at the right time and the painful memories of 2024 still fresh, Ellis’ side believe they have everything required to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and book another place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
