WAFCON 2026: South Africa striker Kgatlana hails teammates after quarterfinals qualification

South Africa forward Thembi Kgatlana has played down her individual contribution after scoring the decisive goal that sent Banyana Banyana into the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Kgatlana netted in the first half as South Africa secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Casablanca, a result that confirmed their place in the last eight of the continental tournament.

The victory set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against hosts Morocco, with Banyana Banyana now one step away from reaching the semi-finals and securing qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Despite her match-winning strike, Kgatlana insisted the achievement was the result of a collective effort from the entire squad rather than an individual display.

“It was a really great team effort,” Kgatlana said. “I think in the history of South African football, this team always comes back to perform. And we knew how important it was for us to first get this victory, and then we’ll see everything that comes from it.”

The experienced striker admitted that scoring her first goal of the tournament was also an important personal boost after a slow start to the competition.

“For me, it’s a boost personally. I started slow with the tournament. It’s the third game and I think I’m getting my momentum.”

Kgatlana, who plays her club football in Mexico, also praised her teammates for their support and encouragement throughout the tournament, insisting that the goal belonged to the entire squad.

“Thanks to my teammates, I don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for them, for their encouragement, all the challenges and difficulties we face every day in training. This belongs to them more than it belongs to me.”

The goal was another reminder of Kgatlana’s importance to the South African national team. The forward has been a key figure for Banyana Banyana over the years, combining pace, experience and a proven ability to deliver in crucial moments.

South Africa will now turn their attention to a difficult quarter-final encounter against Morocco on Saturday. The hosts have emerged as one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams in recent years and will be backed by a passionate home crowd.

For Banyana Banyana, victory would not only secure a place in the semi-finals of WAFCON but also guarantee qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Kgatlana and her teammates will now be aiming to build on their progress and continue their pursuit of another major achievement on the African stage.