Isabella Ludwig vows to make amends as Banyana Banyana face Morocco in Wafcon quarter-final

Banyana Banyana forward Isabella Ludwig says she must correct her finishing errors when South Africa face Women’s Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco in a crucial quarter-final in Rabat.

Ludwig missed two important chances during South Africa’s 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their final group-stage match on Tuesday, although her overall performance was not the concern. Both opportunities were lost because of poor finishing.

South Africa secured their place in the last eight, but Ludwig believes she can provide a sharper contribution in the next match as the team continues its campaign.

Her first opportunity came in the 18th minute when she rose highest to meet a well-delivered cross. The forward made good contact with the ball, but her header drifted wide of the goal.

Ludwig then had another chance shortly after half-time. With the opportunity seemingly set up for a simple tap-in, she was unable to convert and South Africa missed the chance to extend their lead.

Despite those setbacks, Banyana Banyana held on for a narrow victory and progressed to the quarter-finals. Speaking after the match, Ludwig said the result remained the most important aspect of the evening, while acknowledging that she would need to be more clinical against Morocco.

“I think the most important thing is that we got the qualification to the quarterfinals,” she shared.

The South Africa forward admitted the performance against Burkina Faso was not entirely convincing, but said the team could take confidence from achieving its immediate objective.

“It was… obviously a bit scrappy, but I think the most important thing is that we qualified and now it’s about rectifying my mistakes and making sure we keep going in this tournament.”

The quarter-final against Morocco presents South Africa with a place in the semi-finals as the prize. The four teams that reach that stage will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

That makes the match especially significant for both sides, with South Africa aiming to continue their progress and Morocco carrying the advantage of playing on home soil. The fixture will be played in Rabat, where Banyana Banyana will look to build on the result against Burkina Faso while improving their attacking efficiency.

Kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 South Africa time.