Brian Baloyi confident South Africa can stun Morocco and reach WAFCON semi-finals

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi believes Banyana Banyana have the quality to defeat hosts Morocco and reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

South Africa face Morocco in Rabat at 22:00 on Saturday, with the quarter-final carrying an additional prize: victory would secure a place in the last four and guarantee qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Baloyi, speaking exclusively to IOL Sport in his role as an ambassador for Hollywoodbets, the title sponsor of the Hollywoodbets Super League, said the players understood the importance of the occasion.

“The players know that this is like a cup final, this is closer to qualifying for the World Cup and for a lot of the players, this may be their last chance to do it as well,” he said.

Morocco will have the advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd, while their own determination to make the most of hosting the tournament will add to the pressure on South Africa.

However, Baloyi is backing Desiree Ellis’ side to overcome those difficulties and produce a major upset.

“It’s not gonna be easy playing the hosts but I believe we have enough to cause an upset and knockout the hosts.”

Banyana Banyana secured their quarter-final place by beating Burkina Faso in their final Group B match. That result provided valuable momentum after a challenging opening to the competition.

South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Tanzania before recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Ivory Coast. The win against Burkina Faso ensured they progressed to the knockout stages and set up a meeting with the hosts.

The next test is expected to be considerably more demanding, with Morocco likely to bring greater intensity and pressure than South Africa encountered in the group phase.

Baloyi said the foundation for a successful performance would be laid by Ellis and her selection decisions.

“Banyana know they’d have to be at their best, starting with the coach and choosing the right team for the game,” he said.

Ellis must decide how best to combine experience and energy in a match in which Morocco’s supporters are expected to play a significant role. South Africa will also need to improve their efficiency in front of goal while maintaining their defensive shape when Morocco apply pressure.

The quarter-final therefore represents more than a route into the semi-finals. For the Banyana Banyana squad, success would also deliver a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, making it one of the most significant fixtures of the current generation.

For some of the senior players, the match could provide another chance to appear on the global stage. That makes Baloyi’s description of the contest as a “cup final” particularly apt.

South Africa have already demonstrated resilience during the tournament, but they will need to add tactical discipline, composure and clinical finishing if they are to silence the home crowd and continue their WAFCON campaign.