Banyana Banyana reach WAFCON quarter-finals after Kgatlana seals Burkina Faso win

Thembi Kgatlana’s second goal of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations secured Banyana Banyana’s place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Morocco.

South Africa entered Tuesday’s Group B decider at the Moulay Rachid Stadium bottom of the group on one point and knew they had to win while hoping for a favourable result in the other match between Ivory Coast and Tanzania.

Their qualification was confirmed when Ivory Coast beat Tanzania’s Twiga Stars 2-0. The result left Banyana Banyana second in Group B on four points, behind the Ivoirians, and earned them a quarter-final against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday.

Coach Desiree Ellis made two changes to the team that began the 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast. Isabella Ludwig and Hildah Magaia came into the starting line-up, replacing Nthabiseng Majiya and Bongeka Gamede.

South Africa began with an attacking approach and controlled possession during the opening exchanges. Their first clear opportunity arrived in the ninth minute when Ludwig combined with Magaia, but Magaia’s effort went over the crossbar.

Burkina Faso threatened four minutes later when Alimata Belem cut through the South African defence. Kaylin Swart had to leave her goal to deal with the danger after the Banyana Banyana backline was opened up.

South Africa continued to create pressure from set-pieces. Refiloe Jane delivered a free-kick into the penalty area in the 15th minute, forcing the Burkina Faso goalkeeper to punch clear.

Another chance followed from a corner four minutes later. Karabo Dhlamini sent the ball towards Ludwig, but the forward narrowly missed the target with her header.

The decisive moment came in the 21st minute. Fikile Magama created the opening for Kgatlana, who calmly finished to score her second goal of the tournament.

Kgatlana nearly added another before half-time after Jane took a short free-kick, but her attempt cleared the bar.

Ellis made two substitutions at the beginning of the second half, bringing on Lebohang Ramalepe and Amogelang Motau for Cesane and Motlhalo.

Burkina Faso briefly appeared to have been awarded a penalty two minutes after the restart when Antonia Maponya was judged to have brought down Adele Kabre inside the area. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

South Africa missed several opportunities to extend their advantage. In the 54th minute, Kgatlana set up Ludwig in a one-on-one situation, but Ludwig was unable to make proper contact with the ball.

Motau then had a chance to make the game safe in the 65th minute, only to shoot over the crossbar.

Burkina Faso pushed for an equaliser late on and won a set-piece with 10 minutes remaining. Belem struck the resulting effort towards goal, but Swart produced an important save to preserve South Africa’s lead.

Banyana Banyana started with Swart, Maponya, Mbane, Dhlamini, Magama, Jane, Cesane, Motlhalo, Ludwig, Magaia and Kgatlana.